An important precursor to Offshore Europe has highlighted the need for courage and leadership in the energy transition journey.
Held by Granite PR in association with ONS and Invest in Rogaland, the 12th Aberdeen-Norway Gateway at the award-winning Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, Aberdeen on Monday (September 1) attracted some 150 delegates from all over the world.
The event reinforced its role as a bridge between regions, bringing delegates together for a busy programme of market intelligence, fresh insights, and abundant opportunities to forge new partnerships. As well as celebrating shared achievements, it provided a crucial platform to explore future collaboration.
Highlights included civic messages from Aberdeen Lord Provost Dr David Cameron and Rogaland Deputy Mayor Svein Erik Indbjo, plus a keynote address from ONS Foundation President and CEO Leif Johan Sevland who reflected on the event’s 50-year legacy and set the stage for next year, putting its significance into context.
Norway’s Rogaland County fell under the spotlight thanks to a showcase of companies in energy transition, offshore wind, and subsea. Presentations and a more informal “fireside chat” format brought voices from both sides of the North Sea together, drawing the Offshore Europe precursor to a close.
Event chair Rita Østbø Stobbs of Invest in Rogaland said: “Aberdeen and Rogaland have stood side by side for decades as energy regions at the heart of the North Sea. As we move into offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and other low-carbon solutions, our collaboration is just as important – perhaps even more so. The Aberdeen-Norway Gateway is an opportunity to strengthen those ties, bring our companies together, and build the partnerships needed for the energy transition.”
Keynote speaker Leif John Sevland, president and CEO of the ONS Foundation, added: “As energy demand increases, there is a need for cleaner energy. We need to change, but it will take time and oil and gas will continue to be part of the picture. We live in an extremely complicated world. Right now, we have a lot of different things happening all at the same time and we need leadership, global responsibility and courage to do that in a sophisticated way that ensures people can live together well.”
The Aberdeen-Norway Gateway 2025 was supported by ABB AS, Aberdeen City Council, Energy Innovation, GUH, Government of Western Australia, Imenco, Invest Rogaland, NorSea, Merrimac International, Norwegian Offshore Wind, ONS Foundation, Rambase/Hatteland, Rogaland County Council, Widerøe, Wings Global Travel.
To find out more, visit www.granitepr.co.uk