Several GCE NODE companies have had 1-on-1 meetings with the new NORWEP energy advisor in Houston.

“We are keen on learning more about the market in the US and happy to meet with a representative that could open doors for us in Houston,” says Sigve Myhre, Business Development Manager at Firenor.

He recently met with Shervin Sadeghi, the new Norwegian Energy Partners Senior Energy Advisor for the US, at the GCE NODE offices in Kristiansand.

Shervin Sadeghi is a professional with global expertise across the energy value chain and a strong understanding for the energy supply chain. Over the past nine years in Houston, Shervin has driven growth for Lloyd’s Register Energy and Vysus Group. He is now hired by Norwegian Energy Partners (NORWEP).

“I am interested in learning more about your current clients, their profile, and the purchaser’s position in their organization. I also want to learn who is your competition, and if you have specific goals for the US market,” Sadeghi told Myhre.

Offering fire protection systems, Firenor has enjoyed great success in the offshore wind industry lately.

“Last year, 25 per cent of our revenue came from offshore wind. Today, now offshore wind is 90 per cent of our revenue,” explained Myhre.

His motivation for meeting the Houston-based advisor was clear.

“Houston is all about oil and gas. Even though we have had success in renewables, we do not want to put all our eggs in the offshore wind basket. We are also looking at oil and gas projects, not exclusively in the US, but also in the US,” says Myhre.

Sigve Myhre gave a presentation of Firenor.

During his presentation Myhre showed how refineries and processing plants are just a small part of current Firenor business. Sadeghi quickly concluded that this segment could present great opportunities in and around Houston.

“But why should a US customer buy a fire protection system from you and not from a local Houston-based supplier? asked Sadeghi.

“We offer great quality, great customer service, and we are also highly competitive on price,” said Myhre.

Left-right: Sigve Myhre, Shervin Sadeghi and Håkon Skretting.

What are the implications of Trump 2.0 to the world economy? What can we expect from Trump – apart from the unexpected?

Hans Olav Lahlum – historian, author, and US-expert – brings his perspectives to Sørlandets Energy Conference in Kristiansand on 26 February.

Lahlum sees some major differences between Trump 1.0 and Trump 2.0.

“Trump today carries larger ambitions than he did eight years ago. This includes the international scene, even though he is still very committed to “America First”. Trump 2.0 is also better prepared, but so is the world he is facing,” says Lahlum.

Within the energy sector, the American president is expected to scrap incentive schemes for renewable energy, while cheering on the fossil industry. How far he will go, and how this will affect the global energy sector, remains to be seen.

“Donald Trump is a businessman and an entertainer – and not a politician. He intends to be different from any other president, and this is supported by the Republican Party. It will be interesting and turbulent,” predicts Lahlum.

He is part of a strong field of speakers at Sørlandets Energy Conference on 26 February.

See the full program and secure your seat today

Negotiations skills are vital in business. This week, 18 people improved their negotiating techniques during a two-day course.

Participants gained insights into how to prepare and conduct a negotiation process. 18 people from ten companies took part in the course organized by GCE NODE and Maritime Forum South.

Lecturer and course leader was Solfrid Mykland Fjell, a judge with the Land Consolidation Court (Jordskifteretten) and holder of a PhD in Conflict Management from the Norwegian School of Economics.

According to Fjell, good communication skills and an ability to listen to and understand your opponent, are keys to a successful negotiation process.

Afternoon session.

“Research shows that poor communication is the cause of many conflicts. A typical mistake is to be overly concerned with ourselves and what we want. We forget what is important to our counterpart,” says Fjell.

Read more about Fjell’s thoughts on good communication and negotiation skills (Norwegian text)

After completing the program, the participants have been given tools that will enable them to carry out an effective negotiation process in an analytical way, from preparations to signing of agreements. Participants are also able to make assessments of the quality of the agreement and advice others on how negotiations should be carried out.

Solfrid Mykland Fjell is a judge with the Land Consolidation Court (Jordskifteretten) and holder of a PhD from the Norwegian School of Economics.