China and Norway have the fourth and fifth largest merchant fleets in the world, and a longstanding tradition for co-operation in the maritime sector. At a time when South China and Guangdong is aiming to further develop its shipbuilding industry, Norwegian technology and Sino-Norwegian industrial partnerships could help that strategy succeed. This was the point of departure for the Trends in Tomorrow’s Shipbuilding seminar and the visit by Deputy Minister Lind.
Senior representatives from China State Shipbuilding Corporation's (CSSC) and significant shipyards in Guangdong such as GSI, Huangpu, Wenchong, Longxue, Yuexin, GMG Shipbulding and Heavy Industries, Norwegian companies such as DNV, Wilhelmsen, Ulstein, Kongsberg, Rolls-Royce, the 17-Group of Norway and MultiPlus Solution and representatives from Maritime Safety Administration of Guangdong and Guangzhou attended the seminar.
During lunch, Ms. Rikke Lind met high ranking government representatives relevant to the development of the Guangdong maritime industries. The two sides discussed the plans aimed at making Guangdong a leading international shipbuilding and maritime base.
“It is clear that the centre of the world's shipbuilding industry will move to China in the future. China dedicated to become the world's major shipbuilding nation by 2015”, said Yu Bao Shan of CSSC.
“Although the world is suffering under the financial crisis, and this affects the maritime industry, there will be opportunities ahead for countries and companies that plan strategically”, said Deputy Minister Lind.