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The Clarksons Conference | Nor Shipping 2025
Last week the shipping community were welcomed to Oslo for Nor Shipping 2025. The Clarksons Conference took place on the 3rd June at The National Museum followed by an evening reception at Stranden 30. The event brought together industry leaders, analysts, and shipping experts to provide deep insights into the future of global shipping and trade, looking particularly at the Dry Bulk and Tanker markets.
State of the Market
The conference opened with remarks from Erik Tønne, Managing Director, Market Analysis at Clarksons, on the current state of the market. Erik acknowledged the uncertainty affecting the sector, largely driven by trade and geopolitical tensions, but noted that volatility is nothing new for shipping.
He also highlighted strong fundamentals: global GDP is expected to grow at around 3% in the near term, and seaborne trade continues to rise. On the supply side, the fleet is ageing, with a clear need for renewal and added capacity to support future demand - pointing to a fundamentally positive outlook for shipping, despite the wider uncertainty.
Geo-Politics and US-China rivalry
Professor Øystein Tunsjø from the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies (IFS) provided a compelling overview of the growing tensions between the US and China. He discussed the rapid expansion of China’s naval power and suggested that the US will need to strengthen its position to prepare for any potential conflict in the future.
Dry Bulk Panel
The Dry Bulk Panel featured Stephanos E. Angelakos (CEO Angelakos), Ernst Meyer (Torvald Klaveness), Andreas Røde (CEO Ocean Yield), and Andreas Povlsen (Hayfin), moderated by Erik Helberg, CEO of Clarksons Securities and Erik Tønne, Managing Director, Market Analysis at Clarksons. The panel explored current market uncertainty, particularly in relation to China’s future development and its impact on the iron ore and coal trade.
Geo-Politics, Spheres of Influence and the Future of Free Trade
Asle Toje, Deputy Leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and Lecturer at Cambridge University, delivered a detailed assessment of shifts in US politics and how these changes are influencing global geopolitics and international security.
Tanker Panel
The conference concluded with a lively Tanker Panel featuring Andrea Olivi, Global Head of Shipping, Trafigura, Nick Potter, President and CEO, AET, Svein Moxnes Harfjeld, CEO, DHT and Jacob Meldgaard, CEO, Torm, moderated by Erik Helberg, CEO of Clarksons Securities. The session reflected a positive outlook for the tanker market, driven by continued oil trade growth, an ageing fleet, and a limited number of newbuilds.
To find out more or speak with a member of the Clarksons team about the insights shared at the event. Please contact Erik Tønne for further information.