Working to shape a sustainable future #greenshipping

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.