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.

We are pleased to announce that Felipe Meira, from Solstad Offshore ASA, was elected as President, and Jose Carlos Elias, from Altera Infrastructure, as Vice President.

The new Board will also count on the valuable contributions of:
🔹 Knut Øvrebø – Odfjell SE
🔹 Elias Abibe – DOF
🔹 Walker Lima – OSM Thome
🔹 Laura Viana – TGS
🔹 Marcelo Póvoas – Subsea7
🔹 Thomas Saxegaard – Norwegian Shipowners’ Association
🔹 Ricardo Cesar Fernandes – Executive Director, ABRAN

A special milestone in this cycle is the election of Laura Viana, the first woman to join ABRAN’s Board since its establishment—an important step forward for representation and diversity in our industry.

The General Meeting also approved ABRAN’s 2025 Activity Plan, which outlines key initiatives to support Norwegian shipowners operating in Brazil and to deepen maritime collaboration between Brazil and Norway.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Heidi Kilemo, from the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA), who shared insights from the 2024 Maritime Outlook and Climate Report. Her presentation reaffirmed the industry’s strong commitment to achieving its climate goals, emphasizing that geopolitical shifts must not delay the green transition. The report highlighted the need for long-term regulatory predictability, innovation, and international collaboration to reach decarbonization targets.

Looking ahead, ABRAN will host the 6th edition of Brazil@Nor-Shipping, its flagship seminar, in Oslo from 2 to 6 June 2025. The event will bring together key Brazilian and Norwegian stakeholders to advance the green transition and strengthen bilateral maritime ties.

With the continued support of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association and our members Shearwater GeoServices, GRUPO CBO, Seagems, DNV, Prosafe, and Kongsberg Maritime, ABRAN remains committed to delivering value, promoting sustainable practices, and driving strategic cooperation between Brazil and Norway.

The maritime industry is at a pivotal moment, facing new challenges and opportunities in the transition toward a more sustainable future. ABRAN is proud to present the sixth edition of Brazil@Nor-Shipping, an initiative that has become a key platform for strengthening the Brazil-Norway partnership in the maritime and offshore sectors.

Taking place from June 2–6, 2025, in Oslo and Lillestrøm, Norway, this premier event will convene industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from both countries to discuss the future of the ocean economy under the theme #Future-Proof.

Why Attend?

Brazil@Nor-Shipping 2025 will feature insightful discussions on key industry trends, with a focus on:

• Green Shipping & Emissions Reduction – Exploring innovative technologies and regulatory frameworks to accelerate decarbonization.
• Energy Transition & Alternative Fuels – Understanding how the maritime sector can adapt to new energy sources and remain competitive.
• Market Opportunities & Business Resilience – Strengthening strategic partnerships and fostering investments between Brazil and Norway.

Participants can expect engaging panel discussions, networking sessions, and exclusive insights from top executives and decision-makers from Petrobras, Transpetro, ANTAQ, ANP, EPE, the Brazilian Navy, the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPOR), and other industry leaders.

A Platform for Collaboration

Brazil@Nor-Shipping 2025 is more than just a conference—it is an opportunity to connect with key stakeholders, explore innovative solutions, and contribute to the transformation of the maritime industry. The event underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainability goals while unlocking new business opportunities.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This initiative would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment to the industry is instrumental to the event’s success:

• Diamond Sponsor: Kincaid Law Firm
• Platinum Sponsors: Solstad, Odfjell SE and Seabrokers
• Silver Sponsors: OSMThome, Group CBO, Seagems, DNV, DNB, M&O, Bravante, Aspen, Oceanpact, IKM Subsea, ABS and Subsea7

Save the Date!

📅 June 2–6, 2025
📍 Oslo and Lillestrøm, Norway
🌐 https://nor-shipping.com/

Join us in shaping the future of the maritime industry. Let’s make it future-proof together! 🚢🌍🚀

#NorShipping2025 #FutureProof #GreenShipping #EnergyTransition #BrazilNorway #Sustainability #MaritimeInnovation #ABRAN #ThankYouSponsors #Partnerships

On December 4th, ABRAN had the honor of participating in the “Green Maritime: Scenarios for Navigation in the Context of Green Transition” seminar, held at the Norwegian Embassy in Brasília. Organized by CEBRI (Centro Brasileiro de Relações Internacionais), the Norwegian Embassy, the Royal Norwegian Consulate in Rio, Innovation Norway, and ABRAN, this event provided a critical platform to address the challenges and opportunities of decarbonizing the maritime sector and highlighted Brazil’s potential to lead the global green transition.

The seminar featured the presentation of an inspiring study by Rafaela Guedes, commissioned by Team Norway through CEBRI. The study maps scenarios for reducing emissions in the maritime sector, emphasizing the importance of low-carbon fuels, energy efficiency technologies, and smarter logistics solutions in achieving the IMO’s ambitious goals for 2050.

As ABRAN’s Executive Director, Ricardo César Fernandes had the privilege of engaging in insightful discussions alongside esteemed panelists from MPOR, Petrobras, the Brazilian Navy, and EPE. These conversations centered on the critical role of innovation, regulation, and Brazil’s unique opportunities in the green transition.

ABRAN’s key role in driving the green shipping agenda in Brazil was highlighted during the discussions. The association remains committed to fostering sustainable practices and building strong partnerships, particularly with Norway, to accelerate progress in the maritime sector.

Norwegian shipowners, at the forefront of the green transition, bring advanced sustainability initiatives and a long-standing commitment to Brazil. Their expertise and innovative approaches are instrumental in supporting the country’s efforts to build a greener, more resilient maritime industry.

This collaboration between Brazil and Norway reaffirms the importance of shared efforts in navigating towards sustainable maritime progress. Together, we are setting a course for a greener future. 🌍⚓

#GreenShipping #Decarbonization #BrazilNorway #MaritimeTransition #Sustainability

This week, during his visit to the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre highlighted the deepening partnership between Norway and Brazil, particularly in advancing climate-friendly shipping. At an official reception, ABRAN had the privilege of connecting with the Prime Minister to showcase Norway’s substantial maritime presence in Brazil and reaffirm our commitment to sustainable innovation.

Promoting Climate-Friendly Shipping: A New Chapter in Maritime Collaboration

Building on their long-standing maritime relationship, Norway and Brazil announced a joint initiative to establish a transatlantic corridor for climate-friendly shipping. This ambitious project aims to identify fixed routes between Brazil and Europe for ships employing lower greenhouse gas emission technology and fuels, setting a global benchmark for sustainable shipping.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative:
‘Norway has a proud history as a shipping nation, and we aim to be a leader in green shipping. The ocean is what binds together trade between Brazil and Norway. Together, our countries have the expertise and technology needed to carry out a cutting-edge project that can showcase the potential of green shipping to the world at large. This will also open up opportunities for Norwegian shipyards and create jobs along our entire coast.’

Path to Zero-Emissions Shipping

The initiative builds on commitments made at COP26, where Norway and other nations agreed to establish shipping corridors between ports that facilitate near-zero or zero-emission operations. Shipping currently accounts for about 3% of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, making this project a significant step toward decarbonizing the industry.

Brazil and Norway have launched a pilot project involving key industry partners to identify suitable routes and ports and to develop zero-emissions fuels. This collaboration aims to demonstrate that even long-distance shipping can achieve net-zero emissions, in alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 targets.

‘An important step was taken last year, when the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a strategy which includes an ambition to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050. Norway and Brazil plan to show that this is also possible for ships sailing in long-distance transport. It is a challenging task, but we are very pleased to have the chance to work together with Brazil on this project,’ said Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment Tore O. Sandvik.

Looking Ahead: Presenting at COP30

Over the next year, the two countries will review specific transatlantic routes for climate-friendly shipping. Norway and Brazil aim to present one or more viable options at the COP30 climate summit, which Brazil will host in 2025.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

From tackling climate change to fostering innovation, the Norway-Brazil partnership remains a beacon of international collaboration. ABRAN is proud to support initiatives that strengthen these ties and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the maritime industry. 🌊🇧🇷🇳🇴