Frolicking on the fjord

THE maritime calendar may be littered with conferences and exhibitions, but few pack the punch of Nor-Shipping. Held every other year in Oslo, Nor-Shipping is truly one of the ‘see or be seen at’ events of the shipping year. Now in its nineteenth year, Nor-Shipping 2003 will take place from June 3-to-6 at the new exhibition and congress centre at Lillestrom, just a few miles from the city centre. But what is it that makes Nor-Shipping so popular?

To start with, it’s the location. Oslo is one of Europe’s most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities, yet manages to maintain an almost cosy charm that brings visitors back year after year. Nestled around the stunning Oslo fjord, whether it’s cathedrals, botanical gardens, museums, art galleries or boat trips down the fjord that tickle your fancy, Oslo has something for everyone so it’s well worth adding a few days’ holiday onto the end of your trip. Be warned, though. If you thought London was expensive, your wallet will really feel the strain in Oslo.

Then, of course, there’s Nor-Shipping itself. More than 13,000 visitors passed through its doors in 2001, from over seventy different countries. With more than 1,200 exhibitors already lined up, and a two-day conference programme in place, 2003 will no doubt set new records. The exhibition, which is open from 1000hrs to 1700hrs on from June 3 to June 5, and from 1000hrs to 1600hrs on June 6, is spread over 30,000 sq metres of exhibition space, with companies from more than fifty different countries. The conference, which is running for a full day on June 4 and for half a day on June 5, will cover - not surprisingly - challenges and possibilities after the Prestige, maritime security, the environmental challenge and the state of the markets.

There is also a packed social programme to keep you partying until the early hours. One party not to be missed is the DNV barbeque, if only to marvel enviously at the stunning location of DNV’s offices on the banks of the fjord and the flotilla of yachts moored seductively alongside for staff use. So keep your CV handy.

And if you fancy a break from all the partying, there is always Aker Brygge, Olso’s famous waterfront area where no end of wine bars and restaurants spill onto the pavements. If you want something lively after hours, head to Andy’s Bar, the venue of choice for many of the shipping industry’s journalists and media types. But beware what you say – you never know who might be listening.

Nor-Shipping itself may not have much in the way of legal appeal, but it is one of the best events of the shipping calendar. Just make sure you book your hotel early, add on some holiday and take the company credit card.