The Norwegian Shipowners' Association welcomes Knut Arild Hareide as new CEO
On Thursday, August 1, Knut Arild Hareide assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association. — The shipping and maritime industries are world-leading players that create value and jobs along the coast every single day. I am looking forward to taking on the tasks ahead, says Hareide.
Knut Arild Hareide had his first day as CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association on August 1.
He admits that he looks forward to being more opinionated than he could be in his previous job as Director General of Shipping and Navigation for the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA). Hareide became well acquainted with the industry at the NMA, and is looking forward to working to ensure that one of Norway's most important industries has good framework conditions and competitive terms.
— I grew up in Bømlo with the maritime industry close by. The shipping companies are the hub of the maritime clusters along the coast and are very important for employment in the districts. This is partly due to Norwegian private ownership, which has been and remains crucial for a continued world-leading and proud Norwegian shipping industry, says Hareide.
Geopolitical Tensions
The Norwegian Shipowners' Association's 1,300 ships and rigs are present on all the world's oceans at all times. Hareide takes the helm at the Association during a time when geopolitical tensions are affecting international shipping.
— We are seeing an increasing level of conflict globally, and many of our members are affected by international conflicts. For an industry that operates all over the world, the international security situation and turbulence in both world politics and the economy will have a significant impact on the industry going forward, he says.
With a strong presence in all vessel segments, Norwegian shipping has maintained a world-leading position, and the Norwegian merchant fleet plays a central role in Norway's overall preparedness.
High Climate Ambitions
— Norwegian shipping companies are future-oriented and adaptable, and they have the highest amount of ships running on alternative fuels in the world, says Hareide.
In the Association's member fleet, 15 percent of ships run on alternative fuels. According to this year's membership survey, nine out of ten shipping companies plan to invest in new ships that are prepared for alternative fuels. However, Hareide points out that there is still some way to go to achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2050.
— There are still many uncertainties about how we will finance the green transition. As of January 1, 2024, shipping was included in the EU's emissions trading system. In the EU, these revenues are used for green transition measures. The Norwegian Shipowners' Association believes Norway should follow the EU and ensure that the funds are used to finance the green transition in shipping, and there is an urgent need for clarification, says Hareide.
Harald Solberg resigned his position in January and has been CEO of Norsk Industri since May 1. Viggo Bondi, director of labour and legal affairs, has been acting CEO in the period April-August.
Acting CEO Viggo Bondi welcomes the new CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association.