Norway-China Green Transition & Maritime Forum 2026 in Shanghai
On 24 April 2026, the Norway–China Green Transition & Maritime Forum 2026 was successfully held in Shanghai as an official side event of Shanghai Climate Week, bringing together representatives from Norwegian and Chinese government bodies, industry experts, and business leaders. Organized by the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Shanghai, the Norwegian Business Association China, Innovation Norway and Climate Lighthouse, with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beijing and Shanghai Climate Week, the forum served as a high-level platform for dialogue on green transition, with a particular focus on maritime decarbonisation and ocean-related solutions.
The forum opened with remarks from Mr. Tobias F. Svenningsen, Consul General of Norway in Shanghai, who emphasized the importance of Norway–China cooperation in advancing climate action and the green transition. Mr. Ian Shih, Member of the Shanghai Climate Week Executive Committee and International Advisor to the UNITAR Prosperity Alliance (Shanghai), also addressed the audience, highlighting Shanghai Climate Week’s role as a platform for promoting international collaboration and practical climate solutions.
The forum was divided into three sessions. The first session, Green Transition Landscape: Trends & Strategic Outlook, focused on the broader trends, policy frameworks, and strategic developments shaping the green transition. Speakers including Mr. Zhang Yuquan from the China-UK Low Carbon College at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Ms. Zhou Wenqian from DNV, and Mr. Ronin Zong from Wikborg Rein Shanghai Office provided insights into economic opportunities and challenges under the dual-carbon goals, the global energy transition outlook, and comparative ESG regulatory developments in the EU and China. The session highlighted the importance of aligning policy, market mechanisms, and corporate strategies to accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon economy.
The second session, Green Transition in Practice: Solutions & Innovations, shifted focus to concrete business practices and innovative solutions. Speakers including Ms. Shirley Xue from Borregaard China, Mr. Andreas Thorud from Nordic Aqua, and Dr. Emma Qiu from the BI-Fudan MBA Programme shared practical examples of how Norwegian companies and institutions are contributing to global green transformation. Their presentations covered wood-based homecare and agriculture solutions, sustainable Atlantic salmon farming, and the development of green interdisciplinary management talent, demonstrating how innovation and value co-creation can support sustainable development across sectors.
The third session, Maritime Decarbonisation: Advancing Green Shipping & Ocean Solutions, highlighted concrete industry practices and technologies across the maritime value chain. Speakers from Höegh Autoliners, SIGAS, Ulstein, Yihang New Energy Technology, Wilhelmsen Ships Service, Rockwell, and Wrleading Group presented solutions covering sustainable shipping practices, precise carbon footprint measurement, vessel design innovation, green waterborne transport, marine biofuel treatment, digital and lean transformation, and digital ESG governance for suppliers. Together, these presentations demonstrated how technological innovation, operational improvements, and cross-border collaboration can translate into practical solutions for maritime decarbonisation.
Moderated by Mr. Tom Jørgen Martinussen, Deputy Consul General of the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Shanghai, and Mr. Ulrik Hoksnes Karlsen, Board Member of NBA China and Founder of Global Pivot Equity, the forum provided valuable exchanges between Norwegian and Chinese stakeholders. Discussions throughout the event underscored the complementary strengths of both countries and the strong potential for collaboration in advancing green shipping, sustainable industry, and ocean-related solutions. A networking dinner followed the forum, offering participants further opportunities to continue exchanges and build connections across sectors.