Working to shape a sustainable future #greenshipping

ABRAN – The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association Brazil – had the great pleasure to take part in the official visit of the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, to São Paulo, Santos, and Rio de Janeiro.
The visit reaffirmed the close and long-standing maritime partnership between Norway and Brazil, rooted in mutual trust, innovation, and a shared vision for sustainable ocean industries.

Visits to Odfjell Terminals and Höegh EVI in the Port of Santos

ABRAN’s Executive Director, Ricardo Fernandes, joined the Minister’s delegation during visits to two outstanding examples of Norwegian competence and long-term commitment in Brazil:

• ⚓ Odfjell Terminals Santos – a leading facility for the storage and handling of liquid bulk, recognized for its operational excellence, high safety standards, and strong environmental performance; and
• ⚡ FSRU Höegh Giant, operated by Höegh EVI, a floating regasification unit that plays an essential role in ensuring Brazil’s energy security and supporting the country’s transition toward cleaner fuels.

These visits highlighted Norway’s contribution to the Brazilian maritime and offshore ecosystem and the long-term partnerships that continue to drive innovation and sustainability in the Port of Santos.

Breakfast Meeting at the Consul General’s Residence

The highlight of the program was the Breakfast Meeting hosted and moderated by Mette Tangen, Consul General of Norway in Rio de Janeiro.
The meeting gathered Minister Næss, her delegation, Innovation Norway Brazil Director Thomas Conradi Granli, and representatives of some Norwegian shipping companies active in Brazil, members of ABRAN:

Solstad Offshore – Felipe Meira (President, ABRAN)
Altera Infrastructure – José Carlos Elias (Vice President, ABRAN)
Shearwater GeoServices – Cesar Purchio
TGS – Laura Viana (Board member, ABRAN)
Subsea7 – Ivan Cruz
Seagems – Edmundo Falcão
OSM Thome – Vanuza Sampaio
Prosafe – Vitor Pitta

Key Topics and Shared Commitments

The session offered an excellent opportunity to present the activities and future ambitions of the Norwegian fleet in Brazil and to exchange views on strategic issues of mutual interest, including:

• Opportunities arising from the EFTA–MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement;
• The implementation of the Brazil–Norway MoU on Decarbonized Shipping Corridors;
• The advancement of gender equality and inclusive growth in the maritime sector; and
• The importance of joint action at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to accelerate the green transition in global shipping.

A Continued Partnership for a Sustainable Future

ABRAN is proud to have contributed to this meaningful exchange, which once again underscored the strong partnership and shared commitment between Norway and Brazil to foster a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive maritime future.
The Association extends its gratitude to all organizers of this productive program, and to the Port of Santos, Odfjell Terminals, and Höegh EVI for their warm hospitality and valuable collaboration.

During the week of the official visit of Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth, ABRAN had the privilege of participating in a series of events designed to deepen bilateral ties between Norway and Brazil and to explore the positive impacts of the EFTA–MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement on Norwegian shipping.

On Monday, the delegation began the program with a visit to Kongsberg Maritime, hosted by Marcelo Gouvea. At Kongsberg, ABRAN presented to Minister Cecilie Myrseth the Norwegian Shipowners’ presence and projects in Brazil, highlighting the sector’s contribution to the offshore and maritime economy and its role in advancing sustainability and innovation. This session also featured an insightful presentation by Jonas Mattos of DNV, focused on innovation and sustainability in maritime operations — perfectly aligned with the opportunities the EFTA–MERCOSUR Agreement creates for a greener and more competitive shipping sector.

Later in the same morning, the delegation visited Subsea7, hosted by Jim Kettle, where participants learned about the company’s cutting-edge projects and its key role in Brazil’s offshore and subsea industries.

On Tuesday, a reception, at the residence of the Consul General of Norway, brought together key stakeholders from Norway’s maritime community, government representatives, and Brazilian partners. On Wednesday morning, Minister Cecilie Myrseth hosted a breakfast for the CEOs of leading Norwegian companies operating in Brazil, focusing on the opportunities and next steps arising from the EFTA–MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement. DOF attended on behalf of ABRAN, ensuring that the interests and perspectives of Norwegian shipowners were represented at this high-level dialogue. This exclusive forum provided a valuable opportunity to discuss how the agreement can translate into concrete business gains, address operational challenges, and open new pathways for trade, investment and the green transition in the Brazilian market.

The week culminated with the Seminar and Lunch – Exploring Opportunities from the EFTA–MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement at the Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR). Representing the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association in Brazil, ABRAN’s Executive Director joined a distinguished panel — Marcelo Altieri (Yara Brasil), Randi Bolstad (Norwegian Seafood Council), and Kjetil Solbrække (Norwegian Brazilian Chamber of Commerce) — under the moderation of Thomas Conradi Granli (Innovation Norway). The discussion focused on the potential benefits of the EFTA–MERCOSUR Agreement for the shipping industry, including lower costs, expanded market access, a more level playing field, and stronger incentives for sustainable growth and the green transition.

ABRAN commends and congratulates all those involved in the successful negotiations of the EFTA–MERCOSUR Agreement, which represents a landmark achievement strengthening the partnership between Norway and MERCOSUR and unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment and decarbonization in the maritime sector.

Through events like these, ABRAN reinforces its mission of representing the interests of Norwegian shipowners in Brazil and supporting initiatives that promote innovation, sustainable growth and stronger bilateral ties.

ABRAN delegation meets with maritime authorities to address chartering regulation, BR do Mar, and green shipping corridors.

This week, the Norwegian Shipowners Association Brazil (ABRAN) was in Brasília for a series of strategic meetings with key maritime authorities. The delegation was led by Executive Director Ricardo Cesar Fernandes and included representatives from member companies: Ivan Cruz and Mirele Machado (Subsea7), Breno Spolidoro (DOF), Cesar Purchio (Shearwater GeoServices), and Cecilia Young (OSM Thome). Diplomat Daniel Schmidt, from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Brazil, also joined the mission.

Meetings were held with Mr. Dino Batista, National Secretary for Waterways and Navigation, Mr. Caio Farias, Acting Director-General of ANTAQ, Ms. Flávia Takafashi, ANTAQ Director, and Mr. Augusto Vedan, Chartering General Manager of ANTAQ.

Discussions focused on matters of high relevance to ABRAN’s members, including:

✅ The new RN 129/2025 (Chartering Regulation)
✅ The BR do Mar program
✅ The Brazil–Norway Green Shipping Corridors MoU
✅ As well as other strategic issues for the future of offshore and maritime operations in Brazil

Through these engagements, ABRAN reaffirms its role in maintaining a constructive and ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, defending the interests of Norwegian shipowners, and contributing to a more competitive and sustainable business environment in Brazil.

The significant presence of Norwegian shipowners in the Brazilian offshore market highlights the importance of Brazil–Norway cooperation, a longstanding partnership built on innovation, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to the green transition.