The Norwegian delegation was led by Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Ocean Policy Even T. Sagebakken, accompanied by Alf Tore Sørheim, Director General of the Norwegian Maritime Authority, underscoring the strategic importance of the long-standing maritime relationship between Norway and Greece – two of the world’s foremost shipping nations.
State Secretary Sagebakken emphasized the strategic direction of Norway’s maritime policy, stating:
“Norwegian shipping has treated decarbonization not primarily as a compliance burden but as an industrial opportunity — a chance to develop exportable competence in a market that is only going to grow. This is the spirit in which Norway comes to Posidonia: not as a supplier looking for customers, but as a maritime nation that respects what Greece has built, understands what the industry is navigating, and believes that working more closely together is good for both of us.”
As part of the visit, State Secretary Sagebakken met with the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic, Vassilis Kikilias. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral maritime relations, with particular emphasis on maritime financing and the adoption of new technologies in shipping. The discussions also addressed the decarbonization of shipping, with both sides emphasizing the need for balanced, realistic and workable regulatory approaches that support environmental objectives while safeguarding the operational realities and global competitiveness of the shipping industry.
Deputy Minister Sagebakken also held talks with Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Nikos Tsafos, focusing on the energy transition and opportunities to further strengthen Norway–Greece cooperation in the fields of energy, innovation and sustainable economic development.
A central highlight of Norway’s participation at Posidonia 2026 was the Quality Flag Forum entitled “Securing the Global Fleet: A Norway–Greece Dialogue”, jointly organized by the Norwegian Maritime Authority, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Athens and Isalos.net under the scientific auspices of the University of the Aegean. The forum brought together senior representatives from government, classification societies, shipowners, regulators and industry organizations and academia to examine maritime security in an era of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
The event opened with welcome remarks by State Secretary Sagebakken and Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stefanos Gkikas. The high-level panel discussion featured leading voices from across the maritime sector, including Line Falkenberg Ollestad (Head of Geopolitics, Norwegian Shipowners’ Association), Manolis Koutoulakis (Secretary General, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy), Professor Maria Lambrou (University of the Aegean), Luisa Puccio (Senior Director, European Community Shipowners’ Associations – ECSA), Svein Ringbakken (CEO, DNK – Norwegian Shipowners Mutual War Risks Insurance Association), Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria (Interim CEO, DNV Maritime), Alf Tore Sørheim (Director General, Norwegian Maritime Authority), Nikos Triantafyllakis (Managing Director, W Marine Inc.) and Angelos Tyrogalas (COO, Contships Management Inc.). The discussion was moderated by Dimitris Monioudis, Chairman of INTERCARGO Technical Committee and Managing Director of Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd with an opening address by Professor Seraphim Kapros, Head of the Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport at the University of the Aegean.
Speakers highlighted the importance of trust, coordination and sustained public–private cooperation in addressing emerging maritime security risks, safeguarding global supply chains and strengthening fleet resilience in a fragmented international environment.
A key moment of Posidonia week was Norway Night, the Norwegian Embassy’s flagship maritime reception, which once again brought together senior representatives from leading Greek ship owning companies, major international shipping stakeholders, classification societies, and key partners across the global maritime value chain. The event confirmed its position as a premier high-level networking platform during Posidonia and underscored Athens’ role as a global hub for the shipping industry.
In her address, Ambassador Harriet E. Berg highlighted the enduring maritime bond between Norway and Greece, stating:
“Shipping is not simply another industry in Norway and Greece — it is part of who we are. It shapes our economies, our outlook, and our engagement with the world. At a time of profound transition, Norway’s experience shows how decarbonization can become not only a climate necessity, but also an industrial and technological opportunity, driving innovation across maritime services, digital solutions, energy systems, vessel design and green finance.”
As part of his program at Posidonia 2026, Deputy Minister also visited the stands of leading Norwegian maritime companies exhibiting at the event, including DNV, Kongsberg, Jotun, as well as the Norwegian Maritime Exporters pavilion. The visit highlighted the strong presence of Norwegian industry at Posidonia and provided an opportunity for meaningful exchanges, further underlining the depth of commercial and technological cooperation between the Norwegian and Greek maritime sectors.
Norway’s strong presence at Posidonia 2026 reflects the depth of the maritime partnership between Norway and Greece and the shared determination of both countries to contribute to a secure, innovative and sustainable future for global shipping.