New initiative to promote knowledge in the High North

“Knowledge of maritime transport and logistics is the key to value creation in the High North. Now we will have the opportunity to be a frontrunner internationally,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

In Kirkenes today, Mr Støre took part in the launch of an initiative to establish a centre of expertise for the development of sustainable solutions for transport and logistics in the High North. The centre will be called the “Centre for High North Logistics”. In due course, it is planned that the Centre will be based in Kirkenes.

The initiative for the Centre, including its endowed professorship scheme, was taken by the shipping industry, with Tschudi Shipping in the lead. Tschudi Shipping will provide NOK 6 million in funding for the Centre over a five-year period. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will match this sum, through its Barents 2020 programme. The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, the High North Centre for Business and Governance at Bodø University College and the Norwegian School of Management are also contributing to the project, which will also seek Russian partners in the long term.

“This is a new and exciting form of collaboration, which will raise the level of knowledge about an area that is of great strategic importance to the High North. Companies, authorities and expert groups are showing willingness to cooperate so that greater knowledge can result in increased value creation. The melting of ice in the Arctic is opening up new transport routes. Ensuring good, safe solutions for transportation is crucial if we are to take advantage of these opportunities,” Mr Støre emphasised.

“I have high expectations of the contribution the endowed professorship and the Centre will be able to make to developing knowledge about – and solutions for – transport and logistics in the High North,” the Foreign Minister said.