Oslo Shipping Forum 2009
Posted on October 1st 2008 | By admin
oslo-shipping-forum-2009
Designed and produced for shipping CEO’s from listed and private shipping companies, brokers, key investors in shipping, bankers and entrepreneurs. The forum has become a regular fixture in the Norwegian shipping calendar since it first introduced in year 2005.
Booming offshore sectors, building the world’s massive orderbook, finding finance in the tight debt market and predicting the future for bulkers and tankers – these were key issues at the 4th Oslo Shipping Forum.
“All the easy oil is gone,” said FloaTEC president Eric Namtvedt, explaining the prospects for the offshore industry and how the hunt for new reserves and the high price of oil is driving the sector. DVB Bank global head for offshore Geir Sjurseth echoed Namtvedt’s views on the financing side.
“I think 2008 will be looked at as the best year ever in dry bulksince World War Two,” said speaker Sverre Bjorn Svenning of Fearnley Consultants. And he says the wet side can thank the Hebei Spirit accident for putting the final nail in the coffin for single-hull tankers.
Opinion on the orderbook was divided into two camps. “We believe in delays, maybe even massive delays, but we expect most of the ships to be built,” said Svenning. The other camp came out especially strong when David Roberts of Fortis and Anthony Zolotas of Eurofin described the credit troubles in the market: how as much as 50% of the $600bn orderbook still lacks financing.
Arild Nodland, founder of the Bergen Risk Solutions, spoke at length on piracy and geopolitical tension. The former United Nations and European Union advisor has master’s degree in international studies and risk analysis and a military background with Nato. Nodland pointed out that one of the biggest factors for geopolitical tension is the presidential elections in the US.
Morits Skaugen Jr, chief executive of IM Skaugen and chairman of the Oslo Maritime Network, served as forum chairman. Grieg International chief executive Elisabeth Grieg, who is also the president of the Norwegian Shipowner’s Association, was the keynote speaker.
Where: Oslo, Norway
When: June 10, 2009
