Bergen International
Shipping Conference

10th June 2026
Program overview
BISC 2026

PART ONE

10:00 – 11:30

Shipping in a Shifting World Order
From geopolitics to global trade flows — understanding the forces reshaping our industry.

Info
Welcome Greetings
Siri-Anne Mjåtvedt & Elisabeth Drægebø Introduction and welcome on behalf of Bergen Shipowners Association and Maritime Bergen.
Göran Persson
Former Prime Minister of Sweden Topic: The global picture — politics, trade and leadership in a changing world order.
Michael Beckley

Professor, Tufts University / Foreign Policy Research Institute

Topic: The American perspective on geopolitics, power shifts and the future balance between the US and China.

Sabrina Chao

Founder & Chairman, SeaKapital / Past President of BIMCO

Topic: The Chinese perspective on global trade, shipping and geopolitical change.

Shipbrokers Panel

Moderated by Julian Bray, Editor-in-Chief, TradeWinds

Participants:

  • Elise Halkjelsvik Clarksons
  • Dag Kilen, Fearnleys
  • Jasmin Mehrad, SSY

Topic: Market outlooks, freight trends and key predictions from leading shipbrokers.

CEO Panel

Moderated by Julian Bray, Editor-in-Chief, TradeWinds
Participants:

  • Harald Fotland, Odfjell
  • Andreas Enger, Höegh Autoliners
  • Sabrina Chao
Topic: Sustainability, regulation and strategic priorities in uncertain times.
Network Lunch

PART TWO

12:30 – 13:30

Future Ready? Technology, Talent and the Race to Innovate
How AI, digitalisation and new capabilities will define the next generation of shipping.

Info
Conference Host Anne Rimmen introduce:
Topic: Future scenarios for shipping — AI, automation and the industry 20 years from now.
Francois Laborie, Cognite
Topic: Industrial AI and how operational data can create competitive advantage.
Tind Holen, The Norwegian Shipowners’ Mutual War Risks Insurance Association (DNK)
Topic: Intelligence, operations and emerging maritime security challenges.
Bjørg Mathisen Døving, Reach Remote
Topic: Remote and autonomous offshore operations — rethinking subsea services.
Undocked Live Podcast
Nick Chubb & Raal Harris Live on Stage Topic: The human factor — talent, competence and the future maritime workforce.
Network Break

PART THREE

14:00 – 15:00

From Uncertainty to Opportunity
Leadership, judgement and decision-making in a rapidly changing world.

Info
Andreas Heide, Barba
Marine biologist, sailor and filmmaker Topic: Ocean storytelling, sustainability and the changing Arctic environment.
WISTA Leadership Award 2026
Presented by WISTA Norway
Topic: Celebrating leadership and contribution to the maritime industry.
Helge Thorbjørnsen

Rector, NHH
Topic: Time paradoxes, decision-making and how we spend our time in a world of constant pressure.

Final Panel – Moving Forward

Moderated by Anne Rimmen

Participants:

  • Elisabeth Holvik, cheif economist, Sparebank 1
  • Charlotte Demeer Strøm, Norwegian Shipowning Association
  • Göran Persson
  • Michael Beckley
Topic: Leadership, geopolitics, dilemmas and the biggest challenges facing the maritime industry going forward.

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