70% have been negatively affected by the Corona virus
Nearly 70% of the members in Ocean Hyway Cluster (OHC) and Hub for Ocean (HfO) have been economically affected in a negative or very negative way by the Corona virus. “Our wish is that funds will be put in place and utilised to create new solutions and products from the business community”, says CEO in HfO and OHC, Stein Kvalsund.
33 of OHC and HfO’s members have answered a survey about the situation. The members are suppliers to the marine industry and companies in the hydrogen value chain. The survey was open from the 16th to the 17th of March until 2 p.m.
Some of the main findings:
66,5% have been economically affected in a negative or very negative way by the Corona virus
15% have laid-off employees because of the Corona situation. The number of laid-off persons per company varies between 4 and 30.
48,5% are considering laying-off several employees during the next 7 days
In an open reply box, the members stress the importance of small and big businesses being patient with each other in a demanding situation. They call for the Norwegian government to have a vision that encompasses more than the survival of businesses. If it is safe the government should use common funds to start new projects in order to give the laid off work. There is agreement that the promising trend of hydrogen in the maritime sector should not be reversed by the effects of the Corona virus.
Important to look ahead
Stein Kvalsund, CEO in HfO and OHC, hope that the future support packages will focus on more than ensuring progress of existing projects:
In a time when companies are being hit by a global crisis, it is also important to look ahead. Together with the companies, we want to take a step into the future to create new products and services. Both the government and the parliament have provided good support packages to help the business community with crisis management, ensuring continued operation of many companies. Our wish is that funds will be put in place and utilised to create new solutions and products from the business community. We represent a network of companies that, both individually and in collaboration, represent a great potential for innovation.
I hope that further development of support packages, will not just focus upon ensuring continued progress of existing projects in "life after Korona". But that the support can be utilised for innovation projects to ensure future competitiveness when we are back to normal again. The realisation and use of hydrogen in the maritime sector are one such initiative that will contribute to future competitiveness and employment, says Kvalsund.
Ocean Hyway Cluster will follow the Corona virus situation closely in order to be able to support our members and provide the best possible information for the government and media. Please get in touch if you have suggestions, need help or just wish to talk about a difficult situation. Stein Kvalsund, CEO in Hub for Ocean/ Ocean Hyway Cluster. M: +47 976 98 785, Email: stein@hubforocean.no.
