Frigg Jørgensen, AECO, Knut Arild Hareide, NMA, Einar Vik Arset, NCA and Monica Berstad, CEO, Cruise Norway.
Photo: Gro Kibsgaard-Petersen
Today, AECO is at the Norwegian Cruise Conference in Ålesund. The conference, organized by the Norwegian Coastal Administration, and the Norwegian Maritime Authority, is dedicated to maritime safety, emergency preparedness and rescue through collaboration.
– The conference is an important place for dialogue about needs and measures between authorities and industry, says Frigg Jørgensen, AECO’s executive director.
In his opening remarks, Einar Vik Arset, director general of the Norwegian Coastal Administration, highlighted the need to enhance information to the cruise industry and ensure a close collaboration between industry and authorities.
– This is very positive. Our members need to get relevant information from the authorities before season start and have the opportunity to communicate the industry’s viewpoints and situation.
What message are you bringing from the membership?
– That the industry needs predictability, and that collaboration is key to achieving joint objectives.
Knut Arild Hareide, director general of the Norwegian Maritime Authority, emphasized that cruise operations are welcome in Norway. He also welcomes a closer and well-functioning dialogue between authorities and industry stating that “we need the industry to lead way with the best possible technology”.
– This is not at least relevant when we are discussion the green shift. The industry can be a major driving force but needs an operational framework that enables and empowers it to support research and drive innovations, says Frigg Jørgensen.
