A true maritime nation

Norway, as a true maritime nation, has long traditions within shipbuilding. A large part of the international fleet has been built in Norway and shipbuilding is essential for many local communities all over the country. The ship building industry itself, and also the rest of the Norwegian maritime cluster, influences the everyday life of thousands of Norwegian families. Throughout our history, life along our extensive and rugged coastline has provided us with the skills and know-how that has made Norway a genuine and leading maritime nation.

Compared to yards in other parts of the world, Norwegian yards are relatively small. In many senses, this is a positive thing. In order to be able to compete in a truly international and competitive environment, smaller yards must aim at searching for new solutions and beeing innovative at all times. By doing this, Norwegian shipbuilders have become among the most innovative and progressive shipbuilders in the world. This has made Norway highly competitive within the segments of knowledge-intensive, specialized ships like product- and chemical tankers, roll-on roll-off-ships, seismic vessels, supply ships, fishing vessels and car- and passenger ferries.

Being innovative is also one of the main criterias to promote environmentally friendly ships. Ships using LNG as fuel represent such thinking. I am proud to report that some of the world’s first ever built LNG-driven vessels, have already been built at Norwegian yards. In addition five new LNG-driven car- and passenger ferries will be built to operate Norwegian fjords as of from 2007. This will represent an important step in order to promote further development of environmentally friendly LNG-driven ships.

It is one of the Government’s main goals to contribute to secure further innovation within the maritime cluster. The MARUT-initiative, which will officially be launched in 2005, will aim at establishing a close collaboration between the Government and the maritime industry in order to promote innovation. The initiative is based on cooperation between the maritime industry itself, research institutions and the public authorities.

However, innovation is not enough to ensure a viable international maritime industry. Establishing a level playing field is also crucial. Norway participates actively in the OECD negotiations to establish normal international competitive conditions within the shipbuilding industry. We hope that an agreement will be reached in 2005. We also follow closely the WTO-dispute between the EU and Korea regarding possible illegal state aid to Korean yards.

Today Norway can offer a range of maritime products and services, thanks to the variety, the expertise and innovative spirit of our world-leading maritime industry. Among other things, it is my firm belief that focus on innovation and to create equal competitive conditions internationally for the maritime industry is essential for the future.

Børge Brende

Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry