Latest news with #Nor-Shipping
India Gazette
4 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
India Pavilion inaugurated by Crown Prince of Norway with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at Nor-Shipping in Oslo
Oslo [Norway], June 3 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, joined His Royal Highness (HRH) The Crown Prince of Norway, Haakon, in Oslo, on Tuesday to jointly inaugurate the India Pavilion at Nor-Shipping, a premium global maritime event. Marking India's first-ever participation in this premier global maritime event, the pavilion is designed to showcase the country's maritime strengths and serve as a platform to foster alliances and cooperation with international maritime players, enhancing India's capabilities in the sector. HRH The Crown Prince was accompanied by the Union Minister as both of them visited the stalls at the India pavilion. The Union Minister escorted the Crown Prince around the India Pavilion before taking him to show the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) model at the pavilion, which drew applause from the Norwegian Prince. The Crown Prince enquired about India's maritime legacy and quipped that 'India's four thousand years old maritime history is older than Norwegian Viking maritime tradition'. The NMHC, being developed at Lothal in Gujarat, is aimed at preserving and showcasing India's maritime heritage from the Indus Valley Civilisation up to this date. NMHC is dedicated to the legacy of maritime heritage of India. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sonowal, said, 'Under PM Narendra Modi ji's guidance, India is embarking on an ambitious maritime journey, one that is simultaneously rooted in our heritage and geared for the future. PM Modi ji's philosophy of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi', Development as well as Heritage, guides all our endeavours. It reminds us that as we build smart ports, modern ships, and digital infrastructure, we must also preserve and celebrate the ancient wisdom of our seas, our shipbuilders, and our sailors. India has a glorious maritime past that stretches back over 5,000 years, from the dockyards of the Indus Valley to the vibrant spice trade of the southern coast. In line with this philosophy, we are developing a world-class institution: the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.' During his visit to the India Pavilion, The Crown Prince took a keen interest in India's recent economic performance and expressed admiration for the country's robust annual growth exceeding 8 per cent this year. The Crown Prince confirmed his upcoming visit to India later this year, accompanied by a high-level business delegation. As a gesture of goodwill, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented the Crown Prince with a commemorative plaque inspired by the Harappan civilisation. The Minister also extended an invitation to the Crown Prince to visit the upcoming NMHC and sought Norway's cooperation in the project's successful realisation. At the India Pavilion in the Nor-Shipping event, there are leading Indian maritime companies such as Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Goa Shipyard Ltd, Mandovi Dry Docks, and L&T Shipbuilding. They are accompanied by key MSME players in the maritime sector, including Chowgule & Company, Yeoman Marine Services, Shoft Shipyard, Marine Electricals, SEDS, SWAN Defence, Buoyancy Consultants, among others, showcasing the breadth and depth of India's maritime industry. Adding further, Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'We see Norway not just as a maritime leader of the modern era, but as a natural and trusted partner in this journey. Your seafaring legacy, your pioneering spirit, from Viking longships to Arctic expeditions, is truly inspiring. India proposes a comprehensive partnership with Norway for the NMHC, encompassing three kinds of collaboration, Cultural collaboration, through exchange of maritime artefacts, archival material, and exhibitions that tell the story of global navigation and Indo-Nordic connections; Technological collaboration, drawing upon Norway's expertise in museum design, digital storytelling, sustainability, and heritage conservation; and Academic and institutional collaboration, with Norwegian museums and universities, to jointly promote research in marine archaeology, shipbuilding traditions, and conservation science. This is not merely a project, it is a living bridge between our civilisations, our innovations, and our visions for the future. I believe that with your partnership, India and Norway can together chart a new maritime horizon--one that is sustainable, inclusive, and inspired by heritage.' During the Crown Prince's visit to the India Pavilion, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also highlighted the special bilateral relationship that both countries enjoy with each other. India and Norway, as key maritime nations, share a robust and growing partnership. Norwegian shipowners have offices in India, with Indian seafarers making up 10% of their vessel crews. Indian shipyards, like Cochin Shipyard, have built several large Norwegian vessels, showcasing India's shipbuilding strength. The collaboration extends to the blue economy, with joint initiatives in marine spatial planning, pollution research, tsunami early warning systems, and deep-sea mining. The Joint Task Force on Blue Economy, established in 2019, continues to drive sustainable development and innovation in the maritime sector. Sarbananda Sonowal paid homage at the 'Minnehallen Memorial' in Stavern, Norway Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal became the first Indian Minister to visit the 'Minnehallen Memorial' in Stavern, paying tribute to fallen sailors with solemn respect. Sonowal paid obeisance and remembered the 86 Indian seafarers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. Speaking after the visit, Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'It is an honour to visit the Minnehallen Memorial and pay tribute to the brave 94 Indian sailors who served with courage and sacrifice during World War II. Their legacy of dedication and commitment inspires us to strengthen maritime ties and uphold their spirit of resilience.' During World War II, Indian seafarers formed the third largest foreign national group serving aboard Norwegian merchant ships. Most hailed from Punjab and Bengal, with a notable number of Christian sailors from Goa as well. At least 86 Indian seamen lost their lives in the line of duty. In honour of their sacrifice, the Norwegian government inscribed their names on copper plaques, which are now installed at the Minnehallen Memorial. The Seamen's Memorial Hall is Norway's official memorial in commemoration of the seafarers who perished during the First and Second World War. In the crypt of the memorial, 8000 names of deceased seafarers are engraved into copper plates. (ANI)
The Star
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Norwegian official hails Chinese innovation, calls for deeper maritime ties
OSLO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A Norwegian official has praised the green technologies and innovative solutions showcased by Chinese companies at Nor-Shipping 2025, expressing hope for enhanced maritime cooperation between Norway and China. Speaking to Xinhua after visiting the China Pavilion, Even Tronstad Sagebakken, state secretary at Norway's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, said he was impressed by the technological progress demonstrated by Chinese shipbuilders. It is impressive to see not only the innovation but also the practical implementation of green solutions by Chinese shipbuilders, Sagebakken said. "They are at the forefront of technology development... the advancements we need to drive the green transition in the maritime sector." Sagebakken highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Norwegian and Chinese maritime firms, noting that many Norwegian suppliers are already involved in China's shipbuilding industry. "It's a partnership that goes way back, has developed over time, and is very much appreciated by the Norwegian side." He expressed optimism that this cooperation will grow even stronger in the future, delivering further progress for both countries. Held in Lillestrom, about 20 km east of Oslo, Nor-Shipping is one of the world's premier maritime trade fairs. Established in 1965 and held biennially, the four-day event runs through June 6, drawing nearly 1,000 companies and organizations from over 50 countries and regions. This year's China Pavilion features more than 60 Chinese enterprises -- both major state-owned and private companies, marking the largest Chinese presence in the event's history.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Sarbananda Sonowal to visit Norway, Denmark to boost maritime ties
New Delhi: In a bid to strengthen maritime ties, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is set to embark on a five-day official visit to Norway and Denmark, beginning June 2. The visit holds strategic importance as the minister will lead the Indian delegation comprising senior officials from the Central and state governments, along with leading players from the private sector. 'The maritime sector is a cornerstone of economic growth and national development. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has not only become the world's fourth-largest economy but is also working towards securing its place as a major maritime nation,' said Sonowal. 'As we move forward toward realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, it is vital that we unlock the full potential of our Blue Economy, which offers immense opportunities in trade, connectivity, clean energy, and innovation,' he added. During the visit, Sonowal will address a high-level meeting on oceans at the 60th edition of the Nor-Shipping event in Oslo and inaugurate the first 'India Pavillion' there. He will also chair the India@Nor-Shipping Country Session and hold global outreach for the upcoming 'India Maritime Week 2025' scheduled from October 27-31 in Mumbai. On the sidelines of Nor-Shipping event, the minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his ministerial peers from Japan and Norway, and meet leading European shipping companies, component manufacturers and technology developers. Sonowal will also visit Oslo Port Authority. The India Pavilion also has a dedicated pavilion of 'National Maritime Heritage Complex' and engage global delegates on India's 5000-year-old civilisational maritime heritage and global linkages, according to the ministry. While in Denmark, among other engagements, he will interact with the students of 'Blue MBA' at the Copenhagen Business School on the economic opportunities that India's high-growth journey presents for future managers and leaders. 'My visit to Norway and Denmark — both recognised as global maritime leaders — is aimed at building strong, future-ready partnerships. These engagements will help us exchange best practices, explore joint ventures, and align efforts for a greener and more resilient maritime ecosystem,' said the minister.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to embark on five-day official visit to Norway & Denmark to strengthen maritime ties
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will embark on a five-day official visit to Norway and Denmark beginning June 2, an official statement said on Saturday. The visit holds strategic importance as the Union Minister will lead the Team India delegation comprising senior officials from the Central and State governments, along with leading players from the private sector. During the visit, the Shipping Minister will address the High-level Meeting on Oceans at the 60th edition of the Nor-Shipping event in Oslo; inaugurate the first 'India Pavillion'; Chair India @ Nor-Shipping Country Session; and hold global outreach for the upcoming 'India Maritime Week 2025' scheduled from 27-31 October in Mumbai. On the sidelines of Nor-Shipping, Union Minister Sonowal is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his ministerial peers from Japan and Norway, and meet with leading European Shipping Companies, Component Manufacturers and Technology Developers. Sarbananda Sonowal will also visit the Oslo Port Authority. The India Pavilion also has a dedicated pavilion of the 'National Maritime Heritage Complex' and engages global delegates on India's 5000-year-old civilizational maritime heritage and global linkages. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'The maritime sector is a cornerstone of economic growth and national development. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has not only become the world's fourth-largest economy but is also working towards securing its place as a major maritime nation. As we move forward toward realising the vision of Modi Viksit Bharat by 2047, it is vital that we unlock the full potential of our Blue Economy, which offers immense opportunities in trade, connectivity, clean energy, and innovation.' While in Denmark, amongst other engagements, he will interact with the students of 'Blue MBA' at the Copenhagen Business School on the economic opportunities that India's high-growth journey presents for future managers and leaders Sarbananda Sonowal will also visit Minnehallen 'The Hall of Remembrance' to pay homage and obeisance to the fallen Indian sailors who lost their lives during World War-II. Adding further Sonowal said, 'My visit to Norway and Denmark -- both recognised as global maritime leaders -- is aimed at building strong, future-ready partnerships. These engagements will help us exchange best practices, explore joint ventures, and align efforts for a greener and more resilient maritime ecosystem. We believe in a development model that is sustainable, inclusive, and mutually beneficial, and this visit reflects our commitment to that shared vision.' Sarbananda Sonowal, who is leading the delegation from India, is accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board, Guidance Tamil Nadu, and leading large and MSME Indian Shipyards. (ANI)
