Vast potential in the oceans

Today, 206,000 people work in one of the three ocean industries – petroleum, seafood and maritime – generating almost NOK 680 billion a year in wealth.

“Great opportunities”

The Government has provided billions of kroner for research and innovation in the ocean industries because that is where tomorrow’s jobs will be.

“The sea is one of the most important areas of future Norwegian focus,” says Torbjørn Røe Isaksen, Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry. “Our coastline is one of the world’s longest and we manage marine areas that occupy more than six times the area of our land. The sea has always been important to Norway and will continue to provide major opportunities for jobs and economic growth in future.”

Ocean ministers

That is why the Government is so deeply committed to the ocean industries, producing both Norway’s first ocean strategy  and its first white paper on the place of the oceans in Norway’s foreign and development policy. Efforts range from the development of new species, green technology and digital solutions to international diplomacy and the struggle against plastic waste and greenhouse gases. Many ministries are involved, including the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries has the overall coordinating role.

Government efforts on behalf of the ocean industries:

Every year we provide billions of kroner for research and innovation in the ocean industries through programmes at the Research Council and Innovation Norway.

We map oil resources and mineral deposits on the seabed.

We keep track of aquaculture opportunities involving new species and we facilitate harvesting of new species.

We map the seabed and monitor the marine environment.

We facilitate use of environmentally friendly ships.

We have established a development assistance programme that combats marine litter and plastic waste at sea.

We have set up an international panel on the ocean economy.

We have stepped up efforts to fight fisheries crime.

We seek to be a driving force for expanding international cooperation.

We will go on a research expedition to Antarctica to increase knowledge about krill.

We enable the ocean industries to test new ideas, new technologies and new solutions through Research Council schemes.

We increase knowledge of coastal zone ecosystems to facilitate further growth in aquaculture.

We seek more knowledge about the effects of the global climate on marine ecosystems.