GCE Blue Maritime Cluster: 2024 in Review
2024 has been a year of strong growth for the maritime cluster, marked by new contracts, a solid order book, and a growing pipeline of exciting projects. Key sectors, including offshore wind and the ongoing green transition, have seen steady expansion, while defense remains a sector with potential for future growth. These developments reinforce the cluster’s competitive edge and position it for continued success in the years ahead.
Economic Growth and New Opportunities
2024 has been a year of strong growth for the maritime cluster, marked by new contracts, a solid order book, and a growing pipeline of exciting projects. The latest cluster analysis reveals a notable revenue increase among maritime companies in Møre and Romsdal, rising from 2022 to 2023, with continued growth expected into 2024 and 2025. In 2023, total revenues reached NOK 62 billion, and the forecast suggests a rise to NOK 80 billion by 2025. Equipment suppliers remain the most significant revenue group within the cluster, but other key sectors, including shipowners, shipyards, and maritime service providers, are also experiencing substantial growth.
Competence for the Future
A major challenge moving forward is ensuring access to qualified personnel, particularly in new market segments, green technology, digitalization, and automation. It is essential to attract and develop talent within the region to meet these needs.
Diversity within the Maritime Cluster
Offshore wind is the cluster’s fastest-growing and largest segment, expected to be a central driver of further growth, alongside deliveries within the offshore energy segment. We are working to support the establishment of relationships, enhance competencies, and strengthen the cluster’s position in this market.
The Norwegian maritime industry is crucial in enhancing Norway's defense capabilities. With its comprehensive and globally leading value chain, the Norwegian maritime cluster possesses extensive expertise in constructing, equipping, maintaining, and operating the naval vessels essential for Norway and NATO. This places the cluster in a unique position to provide support for both national and international defense operations.
Fisheries are also a key part of the cluster. We concluded the year with our annual Fisheries Conference in Fosnavåg, where industry players gathered to discuss challenges and opportunities. Cruise is also a central sector for our region, and the maritime cluster provides strong suppliers in this segment.
Innovation and Green Transition
2024 has been a year with a strong focus on innovation and green transition. Our partnership in Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) strengthens our position in developing zero-emission solutions for the maritime sector. Through our "New Blue Deal" strategy, we are actively working to enhance the cluster’s competitiveness in the face of the green shift and ensure that the industry is well-prepared for future demands and regulations. Our annual conference, "Ship Technology Days," is also an important platform for showcasing the cluster’s leading role in developing new technologies.
Honors and Recognition
Many companies have distinguished themselves throughout the year with prestigious awards, important contracts, and product launches. It has been a year where the cluster has demonstrated its strength and innovative capacity. At this year's Maritime Cluster Conference, Per Sævik was honored with the "Blue Maritime Cluster Award" for his significant contributions to the industry.
The Road Ahead
2025 is expected to bring record-high activity for many of the cluster’s companies. We will continue to support these efforts and look forward to a year full of exciting projects, collaborations, and initiatives that will further strengthen our maritime expertise and competitiveness.