Ship of the year 2015

Your Majesty,

Ladies and gentlemen.

It is a pleasure for me to take part in one of the highlights of NOR-Shipping as we are about to celebrate and honour the Ship of the Year 2015.

NOR-Shipping has a 50 year old history looking forward. This year is no exception as we are gathered to witness and discuss what next generation shipping will look like.

Some things are evident in the foreseeable future:

• Seaborne trade will be the major mode of international transport
• Maritime activity will be crucial in harvesting the resources of the sea in a sustainable manner.
• And our ocean based industries will remain being some of Norway’s most important sectors.

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The Norwegian government will do its part meeting the future possibilities and challenges of shipping.

A few days ago the Norwegian government launched its maritime strategy -where the main objective is to achieve a blue growth for a green future.

 In order to achieve this we need to:

• Continue to develop new technologies.
• Continue to develop competences for a sustainable maritime industry.
• And to be ready to take on challenges in new seas, like we see in the Arctic.

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The Ship of the year 2015 truly is a symbol of the next generation shipping.

It is an amazing vessel in many aspects:

• Her sheer size, 161 by 32 metres and an amazing height of 80 metres makes it an impressing view. She is the largest and most complex offshore ship delivered from a Norwegian yard so far.
• The ship is loaded with state of the art technology, making it an effective ship with environmental benefits and cost-effective solutions for the shipowner.
• It has also been designed and built for challenging operations in Arctic waters. 

Last year I was the proud Godmother of Skipsrevyen’s 2014 Ship of the Year, the innovative battery ferry “Ampere”. And I am truly impressed witnessing the technology driven forces that the Norwegian maritime cluster possesses. 

This year’s winner is no different as it represents a new and comprehensive delivery from a Norwegian shipyard designed by Vard Design and builtat Vard Søviknes.

The shipowner, DOF Subsea Group, is a leading provider of subsea services in all major oil and gas production regions around the world – this vessel truly contribute to DOF Subsea Group prominent position.

The jury states that with her superior design and high level of utilization this year’s winner represents progress for health, environment, safety and operational efficiency. She is a worthy winner, according to the jury.

It is an honour for me to proclaim “Skandi Africa” as Ship of the Year 2015. I invite the representatives for this magnificent vessel to step forward and receive their plaquettes;

• CEO of DOF Group Mr Mons Aase,
• Captain Nils Andre Hille
• From Vard Søviknes Yard Director Frode Klokk
• and Senior Vice President Erik Haakonsholm from Vard Design.

Congratulations!

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