Conferences

“It is important to get out of Oslo to learn more about the industry and to listen to industry voices. Based on industry input we are better equipped to make good policy decisions in the coming years,” said Sagebakken.

The former Mayor of Lindesnes serves as State Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries – with a special responsibility for maritime industries and aquaculture. He spent Monday and Tuesday this week visiting maritime companies in his home region of Agder.

Among the highlights was his visit to Nymo, a long-standing industrial player with deep roots to the oil and gas industry. Sagebakken was given a tour of the Grimstad headquarters and fabrication site, home to the construction of many topside structures, subsea installations, and plug and abandonment projects.

Having added 70 more to the payroll in recent years, Nymo currently employs around 250 people, in addition to 600-700 contracted workers. While offshore projects are still dominant, Nymo is also diversifying into offshore wind, hydrogen, and aquaculture.

Sagebakken’s two-day trip, which took him to eleven companies in Agder, was organized by GCE NODE and Maritime Forum South.

“It is part of the GCE NODE strategy of ensuring favorable framework conditions for the industry in Agder. Engaging in a dialogue with politicians and various governmental levels is important. This is a way of giving our participating companies a voice,” says Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.

During a tour of the premises, Sagebakken inspected some impressive structures and met with several of the Nymo workforce. Among them were two apprentices, Maren Kjebekk and Ingrid Ølnes, who were recently recruited.

“I was inspired by the stories of these young women who just started their careers. They are fortunate to be with an organization that has had great success in finding and training apprentices while also making a conscious effort to recruit more female talent,” said Sagebakken.

While the visit at Nymo was cordial and good-spirited, Jan-Børre Sannæs Managing Director at Nymo, added a serious tone.

“The activity level in all Norwegian yards are expected to drop significantly next year. We need more projects, and we need faster implementation of policies that are important for new initiatives, in particular within aquaculture,” said Sannæs.

“While the European continent races toward renewables, oil and gas remain the backbone of its energy system — and Norway is the most reliable supplier,” says Torbjørn Kjus, Chief Economist at Aker BP.

He was a keynote speaker at the GCE NODE Executive Forum in Kristiansand Thursday night – providing an in-depth analysis of the current and future state of European energy supply and Norway’s role in it.

Norway is the largest supplier of oil and gas to the EU. In 2024, Norway exported 1,028 TWh of oil and 1,395 TWh of natural gas, with nearly all of it flowing to European markets.

The European Union’s own production is negligible. Import dependence has surged to 89% for natural gas and 92% for oil. This leaves Europe exposed to suppliers in politically unstable regions, raising the stakes for secure, democratic sources like Norway.

“If democracy, corruption, stability and freedom matter to the EU, then it is not difficult to see who the EU should prioritize for their oil and gas imports requirements,” said Kjus.

While some call for Norway to stop searching for more oil and gas reservoirs, Kjus warned that halting global oil and gas exploration would trigger immediate economic pain: soaring energy prices, food inflation, and geopolitical instability. While renewables and nuclear are expanding, they cannot yet replace hydrocarbons at scale.

“Cheap and abundant energy has been the foundation of prosperity,” Kjus noted, highlighting how oil and gas lifted billions out of poverty and remain essential for agriculture, industry, and even renewable infrastructure through petrochemicals.

Looking ahead, Europe’s reliance on weather-dependent solar and wind raises new risks. Seasonal drops in solar output, synchronized wind patterns, and “Dunkelflaute” periods of low renewable generation could leave the grid short by hundreds of terawatt-hours. Covering these gaps with batteries or hydrogen would cost trillions, making natural gas the only realistic backup.

Without new discoveries in Norway, production of oil and gas will decline by 95% in 2050 compared to current levels. This would have serious consequences for Norwegian economy and put Europe in a tough spot. With stable governance and trusted institutions, Norway is uniquely positioned to be Europe’s preferred supplier.

Despite ambitious goals, the EU has barely reduced the consumption of oil in recent years. Europe’s green ambitions must be balanced with energy realities. To keep the lights on, Norway must keep drilling.

“Successful transformation starts with leadership and people. With this tailored program, NODE companies will be better equipped to succeed in times of rapid change,” says Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.

The program is developed to strengthen leaders’ ability to navigate transformation, build competitive organizational cultures, and foster cross-company partnerships and value chains that enhance competitiveness.

Spanning nine months, the program provides participants with deeper strategic insight, stronger collaborative capacity, and enhanced personal leadership skills.

Combining academic sessions, digital modules, practical casework, and individual coaching, the program equips leaders with the tools needed to create trust, innovation, and resilience in a time marked by uncertainty and rapid change.

Øivind Bjørnson and Maria Heggen make up the team from Bjørnson Organisasjonspsykologene.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Four modules, five days:

• Leadership in a Complex and Uncertain World (March 24–25, 2026)
• Value Creation and Learning in Collaboration (June 2, 2026)
• Self-Leadership as a Foundation for Leading Others (September 15, 2026)
• Operational Leadership for the Future (November 17, 2026)

One two-day physical gathering and three one-day sessions

Personality assessment with individual feedback

Facilitated learning groups of five leaders meeting four times during the program

Six digital modules (30–45 minutes each) supplementing the in-person sessions

VALUE FOR PARTICIPANTS
The program delivers strategic confidence in times of restructuring and technological change, practical tools for fostering innovation and culture under pressure, and training in building strong partnerships across companies and roles.

Participants also gain personal insights that empower them to lead with clarity and presence.

Read more about the program (text in Norwegian) and sign up!