Photo: Christian Thomassen
The seminar, jointly hosted by the Royal Norwegian Consulate in Shanghai, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beijing, and the Royal Norwegian Consulate in Guangzhou, the Norwegian Business Association and Innovation Norway featured several distinguished speakers from both China and Norway. In the Rose Ballroom at the Peninsula Hotel in Shanghai, about 200 participants were led through a variety of presentations discussing the different aspects of the LNG market in China, as well as the opportunities for bilateral cooperation between Norway and China in the LNG-sector.
Photo: Christian Thomassen
The Seminar titled; LNG – A Green Fuel for the Future: Opportunities for cooperation between Norway and China was opened with introductions from the Ambassador to Norway, Mr. Svein O. Sæther and Director General of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mrs. Ida Skard.
Following the introduction, Mr. Stone Zhang from the Norwegian Veritas (DNV) presented a study on the opportunities for collaboration between Norway and China in China`s rapidly growing LNG industry. The basis of his presentation was a report written on behalf of the Norwegian foreign Missions in China and Innovation Norway.
Photo: Christian ThomassenThe program also featured speakers from the Chinese shipbuilding industry, represented by Mr. Yang Weizan from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd. and Mr. Zhou De Shou from Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuiling Group. The LNG Director of I.M. Skaugen, Mr. Yao Song, held a presentation about the market situation in China from the view of a Norwegian operator, talking about obstacles and opportunities in the Chinese market.
From the Norwegian Marine Technology Research Institute (MARINTEK), Research Director, Mr. Per Magne Einang talked about LNG fuelling the ships of the future, status of technology and new vessel developments, while Managing Director Ole Henæs from Norwegian Maritime Exporters spoke about cooperation as the means for success. The seminar was concluded with a Q & A session with all speakers present on stage and concluding remarks by Science & Technology Counselor at Innovation Norway, Mr. Egil Reinsvik.
Photo: Christian ThomassenThe Chinese media showed great interest in the LNG-seminar and a press interview was held to provide the journalists with more insight into the possibilities of cooperation between Norway and China in the growing Chinese LNG –market. After the seminar, the participants were also treated to a cocktail and buffet dinner and a mingling session at the Peninsula Hotel