Christmas greetings and a look back at 2021
We are ending this year the same way we started it, with an unpredictable covid situation. Despite the challenges of not being able to meet most of the year, it has been a busy time filled with interesting project activities and (digital) events. Especially this autumn has been fruitful, with a large grant to the world’s first green ammonia terminal, the recent funding for Green Destination Vestland and not to mention yesterday’s early Christmas present, where Flexbulk was announced as one of this year’s Pilot-E projects. We also hosted our annual conference with GCE Ocean Technology, gathering over 400 people. However, the circumstances required for a digital event - next year we are hoping to meet again in Florø.
Upwards and onwards
As most of you know, Ocean Hyway Cluster has been part of the Norwegian Innovation Clusters since 2019 and our main target this year was not only to renew our status, but achieve the next level – Arena Pro. And we did it! This acknowledgement proves that our cluster is the leading network for hydrogen solutions in the maritime sector. The Arena Pro status secures funding for the next five years, giving us the opportunity to gear up activity and hence also the business development and innovation in the maritime sector.
In January 2022, we will welcome all our members and collaborators to a meeting about the impact of the Arena Pro status and our plans for the coming year. As important, we want to hear from you! Are there specific project activities, business areas etc. that you want us to focus on going forward? We encourage everyone to share your thoughts and suggestions.
At the end of the year, yet again, we find ourselves in the home office, and it is important for me to commend my colleagues in Ocean Hyway Cluster for the work that has been done this year. Along with our cluster board they have put down a considerable effort in securing our status as Arena Pro. Each and every one deserves praise for what we have achieved in a challenging, but meaningful year.
We welcome 2022 and are ready to work together with all of you to realise new innovative solutions that will transform the maritime sector and contribute to a more sustainable future. I wish you all a merry christmas and a happy new year. Take care of your family, friends and colleagues and let’s hope that we soon can meet again.
Greetings from
Stein Kvalsund
