Norwegian Shipowners' Association Elects New President

The maritime industry is dynamic and innovative, and a key value-generating component of the global economy, according to Trond Kleivdal, the newly elected President of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association.

“The maritime cluster has substantial inherent future growth potential,” said Kleivdal. “We are constantly searching out new, better and sustainable solutions, and this has made us a competitive centre of expertise, with a drive to innovate, and with global impact and attractive power."
The new president stresses that, over the generations, the maritime industry has demonstrated a great ability to navigate through difficult times.

"Norwegian shipping companies, shipowners and seafarers have always been able to spot new markets and opportunities,” said Kleivdal. “This has made the country's maritime industry a world-leader, not just at sea, but now also in and under the sea. Over the years, many people have written off Norway as a maritime superpower, but they've always been proved wrong. The maritime industry is one of Norway’s most valuable "renewable" resources. The shipping companies are at the heart of an activity with a workforce of 100,000, creating NOK 130 billion of value each year."

"I take pride in, and am humbled by, the confidence that the General Assembly is placing in me as holder of the Association's foremost position of trust, and I am pleased to be taking on this important task,” he added. “Along with the rest of the Board of Directors and the Association's staff, I am looking forward to continuing the important work involved in safeguarding the industry's interests at the global and national levels. We see it as important to be a proactive and constructive force in the development of Norwegian society, in our interactions with the authorities and, especially so, with the many local communities where our activities are based."

Lars Peder Solstad, Managing Director of Solstad Offshore, has been elected as the new vice-president.