Hosted by Offshore Norge, the meeting brought together industry leaders and elected officials for a conversation on the future of oil and gas and offshore wind.
More than 30 participants from business and politics, the purpose was to share outlooks, raise concerns, and give politicians direct insight into company needs in the energy landscape.
Anstein Jorud, Managing Director at SLB Kristiansand, highlighted the company’s growing role in the region: “In the SLB group we are proud of what is happening in Kristiansand. We are 70 technology companies globally, but the headquarters for rig equipment is placed in Kristiansand.”
From Nymo, CEO Jan Børre Sannæs warned of tougher times ahead: “Politicians must spend more with the industry. We are entering a difficult two to three year period after some very busy years. We need tempo and predictability.”
The message was echoed by Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE: “The industry needs predictable, long term framework conditions. Our message to politicians is simple: gain more insight into industry needs. Talk to us before you make important decisions.”
Offshore Norge pointed to long term structural challenges, citing the Norwegian Offshore Directorate’s expectation of a 60% decline in activity on the Norwegian shelf toward 2050. Today, the Norwegian industry employs 210,000 people, of which 7,750 live in Agder.
The political delegation at the meeting included – among others – Mathias Bernander (Mayor of Kristiansand), Amalie Gunnufsen (Member of Parliament), Charlotte Beckmann Finnestad (Deputy Mayor of Kristiansand; Gro Bråten (Agder County), Torunn Høyum Eriksen (Agder County), Torbjørn Klungland (Mayor of Flekkefjord), and Unni Nilsen Husøy (Mayor of Lyngdal).
Industry speakers also included Marius Menth Andersen (Offshore Norge), Rannveig Storebø (Aker BP), Roger Pedersen (Offshore Norge), and Høye Høyesen (NHO Agder).
