Great potential for Norwegian maritime industry in offshore wind
A new market study highlighting significant opportunities for the Norwegian maritime industry in the offshore wind sector was unveiled this week at our seminar, which we co-hosted with Innovation Norway.
From Left: Runar Haugen, Innovasjon Norge, Yngve Sandanger, Innovasjon Norge, Knut Tore Aurdal, GCE Blue Maritime Cluster, Lykke Giil Hanshuus, Innovasjon Norge, Hans Inge Bollingmo, Innovasjon Norge, Juuni Elisabeth Vatne. GCE Blue Maritime Cluster and Frederik Greve, Green Ducklings.
The study, conducted by Green Ducklings as part of the government's "Hele Norge Eksporterer” strategy, has mapped the market for offshore wind vessels and identified key strengths of Norwegian shipyards, equipment manufacturers, and service providers.
Frederik Greve, Consultant at Green Ducklings, stated: "The study presents the value chain for offshore wind and introduces selected opportunities for the Norwegian maritime cluster. The report shows, among other things, that significant opportunities exist for the value chain (shipyards, equipment, services, and operators), particularly within the (C)SOV, CTV, and Cable Laying Vessel segment. However, for the Norwegian industry to succeed in increasing exports by 50% by 2030, it must also focus on the rest of the offshore wind vessel industry. Here, one should particularly orient towards the fixed-bottom wind market, as the floating wind market will not create significant value until after 2030.”
The report shows, among other things, that significant opportunities exist for the value chain (shipyards, equipment, services, and operators), particularly within the (C)SOV, CTV, and Cable Laying Vessel segment.
Frederik Greve, Consultant at Green Ducklings
A growing global demand for Norwegian expertise
In the seminar, we also were presented with some of our region’s expertise within the industry. VARD, a major Norwegian shipbuilding company, presented its ongoing projects in the offshore wind segment. These projects underscore the growing global demand for Norwegian expertise in specialized offshore wind vessels and the importance of collaboration within the cluster. Another company from our cluster, Robert Myrene, in Maritime Partner, highlighted their contributions to the offshore wind industry. Eksfin, by Stig Gjethammer, held the final words, highlighting the financial opportunities for companies.
Amrit Bhullar, SVP Development and Group Innovation, VARD, and part of the project board for greener maritime export initiative, commented after the seminar:
"It’s important that the shipbuilding activity in Norway continues to develop a strong position. The shipyards provide a critical platform to test new technologies that are needed for the green transition and they have an important role to pull through the technologies being developed for the maritime sector in Norway.
VARD has positioned itself well as an exporter of vessels in the in the offshore wind market. In 2023, the majority of new orders signed and vessels delivered were delivered to international shipowners. VARD's contribution will continue to be significant to Norway's ambitions to increase its maritime exports by 50% by 2030."
This report confirms Norway's strong position in the offshore wind vessel market.
Christian Utvik, SVP Sales and Marketing, VARD
Central to reaching the government's export goal
The offshore wind sector is central to the government's goal of increasing non-oil and gas exports by 51% by 2030. For the maritime industry, this translates to a projected growth in annual export turnover from 85 billion NOK in 2021 to 128 billion NOK in 2030.
The seminar and report provide valuable insights for the Norwegian maritime industry as it continues to expand its role in the growing offshore wind sector.
Join us at our next event within the Offshore Wind segment, “Boostcamp,” on September 9th.
