Indo-Norwegian Maritime Technology Forum

Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to be here and to have this opportunity to talk to you about the maritime cooperation between our two countries.

While many Norwegians think of India as rather exotic and distant, shipping and the maritime industry constitute an important link between Norway and India. Both are strong sea-faring nations with long maritime traditions. India, with its 7000-kilometre-long coastline is situated on some of the most important sea routes in the world, connecting the Middle East to South and South-East Asia. No wonder then that the very word ‘navigation’ comes from the Sanskrit word for sea, ‘navagati’.

My country also has a proud maritime history. Norway has a long and rugged coastline, and Norwegians throughout history have striven to take advantage of all that the sea can offer. Fisheries and seafood production, the petroleum industry, and the maritime sector are prominent features of Norway today.

The sea has always been a vital means of transport and communication. In Norway’s case this can largely be explained by simple geography. Situated far to the north, on the outskirts of Europe, the sea has always provided Norwegians with the means of contact with the rest of the world. Today Norway has the sixth largest fleet in the world, and provides maritime services that are vital for trade and economic development all over the globe. The number of Norwegian ships calling at Indian ports, and the large number of competent Indian sailors on board Norwegian vessels means that India already plays an important part in our maritime sector.

The global environment for the maritime industry is changing rapidly. International regulations, technological progress and global competition are the order of the day. The exchange of knowledge and information is therefore a sound strategy. International cooperation between both governments and private enterprises is crucial to ensure a competitive, safe and environmentally sound industry. The development of human capital and the development of innovative new products and services are the keys to the continued success of the maritime sector.

I am convinced that we have a lot to learn from each other and that closer ties between the maritime sectors of Norway and India would offer great opportunities. The Norwegian maritime cluster includes ship owners, shipbuilders, ship’s gear producers, research and service providers. There are, therefore, many opportunities for cooperation with Indian partners.

I am pleased to note the excellent and long standing relations between our two nations on maritime issues. And I am convinced that the future holds many more opportunities to strengthen and develop our maritime relations in ways that will benefit both Norway and India.

Thank you.