Highlights from Nor-Fishing 2024
Nor-Fishing, Norway's largest fisheries exhibition, was a great opportunity to promote and engage with our maritime industry. The exhibition, which broke attendance records, provided an excellent platform for our maritime cluster to showcase the latest technologies and solutions, address important topics, and participate in crucial discussions with stakeholders across the value chain.
During the exhibition, we organized a series of focused mini-seminars and panel discussions in partnership with NCE Blue Legasea and Digicat. These sessions addressed important maritime sector topics and emphasized collaboration's significance within our maritime cluster. We highlighted the maritime sector's commitment to innovation and sustainability while addressing current challenges and future opportunities.
Our discussions covered various topics, from green industrial development to the changing nature of fishing vessels and the industry's ongoing challenges in competence and recruitment. By bringing together expertise from various fields and segments of the value chain, we facilitated productive dialogue and explored potential new solutions to industry challenges.
Green Industrial Development in Møre og Romsdal
One of our main topics was the findings in the recently launched report from Møre and Romsdal County: “Grønt idustriløft” ("Green Industrial Boost"). The report identified over 130 regional green projects, showcasing considerable potential. However, the report also highlighted challenges such as power shortages, competence gaps, and the need for increased adoption of artificial intelligence.
The report is targeting three areas of competitive advantage:
- Green maritime initiatives
- Biomarine development
- Circular hubs
The Green Maritime Initiative aims to establish an eco-friendly value chain, focusing on building, retrofitting, and repairing green ships. The biomarine sector seeks to create a circular region where all resources are utilized locally.
The Future of Fishing Vessels
Our discussions on the future of fishing vessels encompassed two crucial perspectives: the shipowners and end-users, and the shipbuilders, including designers, technology providers, and suppliers.
The panel discussion on "The Future Fishing Vessel" examined the profitability challenges and competitive advantages of new "green" fishing vessels. Industry leaders from Lerøy Havfisk, Strand Rederiet, Leinebris, and Nordnesgruppen shared valuable insights on balancing sustainability with economic viability. This discussion provided a deep dive into the economic considerations of adopting green technologies from the perspective of those who operate the vessels.
Building on these insights, our subsequent seminar explored new solutions and technologies to increase efficiency and profitability for future fisheries. This session emphasized the industry's evolving nature and highlighted how innovations across the value chain are shaping the future of fishing vessels.
The combination of these discussions offered a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in developing the next generation of fishing vessels. Key points from these discussions included:
- The growing importance of HR and leadership skills, particularly with more women joining crews
- The need for expertise in electronics and data technology as vessels become more technologically advanced
- The potential of big data in improving fishing efficiency
- Increasing automation and robotization in onboard fish processing factories
Pål Arne Roaldsnes from Nordic Wildfish emphasizes that the technology becomes more crucial with 70% certainty in locating fish, allowing for three times more efficient fishing.
Industry representatives emphasized balancing theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and a passion for the industry.
"Enforcing standardized approach to education and lifestyle is, in my view, counterproductive. We must foster enthusiasm for our industry and demonstrate its global appeal. As ship designers and shipbuilders, our needs differ somewhat from those engaged in commercial fishing, but ultimately, it's about dedication to our respective fields. When you're truly committed to your profession, the quality of your work improves dramatically,"
Chief Designer Øyvind Gjerde Kamsvåg, Ulstein International.
Competence and Recruitment Challenges
The seminars highlighted ongoing recruitment challenges in the sector. While some companies struggle to find local talent, others noted an increased interest in maritime careers, particularly for bridge positions. However, there's a shortage of experienced mid-level leaders for deck and factory operations.
Equipment suppliers reported strong competition for skilled workers, with some considering expansion beyond the region to meet their staffing needs. On the other hand, fishing companies have seen increased interest in seafaring careers but must match available positions and applicants' preferences.
The industry emphasized the need to attract dedicated individuals, not just those with high academic achievements, to maintain a diverse and skilled workforce.
These discussions at Nor-Fishing 2024 emphasized the maritime industry's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and addressing future challenges. GCE Blue Maritime Cluster aims to promote collaborations and drive the development of new solutions and technologies within our maritime cluster.