Norway Denmark - Together for a Sustainable Future

Photos: Tom Hansen

During the official visit of King Harald and Queen Sonja to Denmark in June, a business conference, “Norway Denmark - Together for a Sustainable Future," was organized for Norwegian and Danish companies. The main topics of the conference were centered around green energy, carbon capture and storage, health technology, life sciences, defense industry and green maritime.

Gather to Drive Sustainable Solutions in Maritime Industry

Queen Margrethe of Denmark welcomed King Harald and Queen Sonja upon their arrival in the Port of Copenhagen. Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark were also present, along with Norway's Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt, Oil and Energy Minister Terje Aasland, and Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre. The Danish Climate, Energy, and Supply Minister Lars Aagaard, Danish Industry Minister Morten Bødskov, and Danish Minister for Nordic Cooperation Louise Schack Elholm were also part of the business delegation.

The conference was organized and led by Innovation Norway on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries.

Advancing Green Maritime Solutions and Offshore Innovations Through Collaboration

During the opening session of the conference, the topic of "Green Maritime Solutions" was discussed. The discussion primarily revolved around the collaboration between Nordic countries, particularly Norway and Denmark, to tackle global concerns such as security and climate change. The session's theme, "Stronger Together," highlighted the significance of collective efforts in finding effective solutions.

In the second part of the conference, several presentations and panel discussions centered around green shipping corridors and their implementation in the Nordic region and worldwide. Furthermore, the last session explored the latest advancements in offshore wind vessels and zero-emission technologies within the maritime industry.

The session's theme, "Stronger Together," highlighted the significance of collective efforts in finding effective solutions.

Green Transition and Export Growth

The maritime sector in Norway is the country's second most significant export industry. Norway has almost complete value chains and business clusters, making it one of the leaders in decarbonization efforts, with strict emission requirements and innovative utilization of public policy instruments that facilitate a green transition.

The European Union (EU) has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. The aim is to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To achieve this, the transport sector will have to reduce its emissions by 90% by 2050, which includes shipping. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also set a target of reducing emissions by 50% by 2050. Norway and Denmark are backing the goal of achieving zero emissions in international shipping by 2050.

The European Union (EU) has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.

 In 2022, Nordic countries reached an agreement to establish green corridors for zero-emission shipping between ports. This initiative is an extension of the Clydebank declaration made during COP26. 

Norway has also made a national commitment to promote greener maritime exports. The National Export Council proposes an operational export target for maritime investment of NOK 128 billion in export revenue by 2030 for shipyards, equipment, and service suppliers. The National Export Council mentions offshore wind vessels for North Sea landings and zero- and low-emission vessels for Europe, where Denmark is included in both segments.

"Norway and Denmark have ambitions to be world leaders in green transition and sustainability. Together we can contribute to future-oriented solutions and thus also fulfill the Nordic vision of becoming the world's most sustainable and integrated region." 

Innovation Norway

Collaborating for a Greener Tomorrow

The conference aimed to promote a dialogue on reducing carbon emissions in the shipping industry across Norway and Denmark. It brought together key decision-makers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders from both countries. The conference also aimed to showcase the benefits of a business-focused partnership between the two nations, which could help accelerate the realization of green shipping corridors and promote decarbonization at a national and global level.

We are excited to be part of the joint effort to achieve these objectives and support the maritime industry.