Program
Bergen International Shipping Conference (BISC) takes place on 10 June at Peer Gynt Hall, Grieghallen, Bergen.
Doors open at 09:00, with the conference programme running from 10:00 to 15:00, guided by renowned Norwegian host Anne Rimmen.
Across three carefully curated sessions, the conference follows a clear narrative — from understanding global shifts and market realities, to exploring technology and innovation, and ultimately to making better strategic decisions in an increasingly complex world.
BISC brings together leading voices from across the maritime industry for a focused, timely and forward-looking day in Bergen.
Shipping in a Shifting World Order
From geopolitics to global trade flows — understanding the forces reshaping our industry.
The global landscape is shifting — fast. Power is moving, alliances are changing, and shipping sits at the centre of it all. But what does this actually mean in commercial terms?
- How will geopolitics reshape freight markets and trade flows?
- Where are the risks — and where are the opportunities?
- And how should companies position themselves now?
This session combines big-picture insights with real-world market perspectives. Leading CEOs and shipbrokers translate global trends into commercial reality — sharing what they see, how they act, and what they expect next.
Speakers include:
Future Ready? Technology, Talent and the Race to Innovate
How AI, digitalisation and new capabilities will define the next generation of shipping
Technology is no longer a support function — it is becoming the core of competitive advantage.
From AI and automation to cybersecurity and new business models, the industry is being reshaped at speed.
• What can technology actually solve — and where does it fall short?
• How do we turn AI from hype into real value?
• And how do we attract the talent needed to stay ahead?
This session focuses on execution — how to turn innovation into results. Real-world cases and voices show how technology is being applied today — and what it takes to succeed.
Speakers include:
From Uncertainty to Opportunity
The future is not just uncertain — it is full of competing priorities, trade-offs and tough choices
How to make better decisions in a world of complexity and constant disruption.
Growth versus risk.
Speed versus direction.
Short-term pressure versus long-term value.
- What will separate the leaders from the rest?
- How do we make better decisions when the answers are not obvious?
- And how do we move forward when the stakes are high?
This final session brings together key voices to reflect, challenge assumptions and point towards what comes next.
A forward-looking session focused on leadership, judgement and direction in a rapidly changing world.
Speakers include:
Speakers
Anne Rimmen
Conference hostRimmen is one of Norway’s most well-known media personalities, with a diverse background from broadcasters such as NRK and Discovery. She is widely recognised for hosting major TV productions including the Sports Awards, Melodi Grand Prix, and Olympic Studio.
Gøran Persson
Former Prime Minister of SwedenWith a background in economics, he delivers insightful keynote addresses on leadership, societal development, and economic trends. Persson offers a unique perspective on how politics and business can work together to foster sustainable growth and long-term development.
Sabrina Chao (Hong Kong)
Founder & Chairman of SeaKapital LimitedSabrina Chao is Founder & Chairman of SeaKapital Limited and Immediate Past President of BIMCO, with a leading role in the global maritime industry.
She has held key positions including Chairman of Wah Kwong, the Hong Kong Shipowners Association and the Asian Shipowners’ Association, and remains active across international maritime, academic and advisory bodies.
Chao is widely recognised for her contributions to shipping and maritime development, is Honorary Consul for Norway in Hong Kong, and has received numerous honours, including the Bronze Bauhinia Star from the HKSAR Government.
Michael Beckley (US)
Professor at Tufts UniversityMichael Beckley is a political science professor at Tufts University and a senior fellow at both the Foreign Policy Research Institute and the American Enterprise Institute.
He is widely recognised for his research on the balance of power between the United States and China, and has advised U.S. defense and intelligence institutions. Beckley is the award-winning author of Unrivaled and co-author of Danger Zone, and is a frequent contributor to leading international media and policy forums.
Harald Fotland
Chief Executive Officer of Odfjell SEHarald Fotland is Chief Executive Officer of Odfjell SE, a leading global operator in the chemical tanker and tank terminal industry.
He has spent more than two decades within Odfjell, holding senior leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff, and has been central to the company’s operational and strategic development.
Fotland served as President of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association from 2024 to 2026 and is recognised for his focus on safety, efficiency and sustainability, contributing to the advancement of more environmentally responsible shipping.
Bjørg Mathisen
VP Reach Remote at Reach Subsea ASBjørg Mathisen Døving is VP Reach Remote at Reach Subsea AS, where she leads the development of remote subsea operations.
She brings more than 25 years of experience from the subsea industry and has been at the forefront of operationalising remote technologies in safety-critical offshore environments.
Døving is recognised for her role in advancing maritime robotics and enabling more efficient, sustainable and remotely operated offshore operations.
Undocked
The Maritime Transformation ShowWill take the stage in a live, on-site edition of the widely followed maritime podcast format. The session brings its signature high-energy, insight-driven conversation style to BISC, focusing on AI, competence and the future of maritime work.
Hosted by maritime innovation specialist Nick Chubb and industry transformation leader Raal Harris, Undocked is known for candid, unscripted discussions on technology, strategy and real-world change across the maritime sector. The show has built a fast-growing international audience by connecting emerging tech trends with practical operational and leadership challenges for shipping and maritime organizations.
Helge Thorbjørnsen
Rector of the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)Helge Thorbjørnsen is Rector of the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and a professor of strategy and management.
He is widely recognised for his research on consumer behaviour, digitalisation and innovation, and has published extensively in leading international journals.
Thorbjørnsen has held a range of academic and leadership roles at NHH and is an active contributor to the intersection of business, technology and education.
Julian Bray
Editor-in-Chief - TradeWindsEditor-in-Chief of the shipping newspaper TradeWinds, will travel from London to moderate panel discussions with industry experts and top executives, providing sharp and unfiltered insight into the trends currently shaping the maritime sector.
Tind Adrian Holen
DNKTind A. Holen is the Collection Manager at The Norwegian Shipowners’ Mutual War Risks Insurance Association (DNK) – Intelligence & Operations Centre. He is a former military officer with experience from the Norwegian Special Operations Command, the Army Intelligence Regiment and Telemark Battalion.
His current work focuses on intelligence collection and the practical application of artificial intelligence to augment the intelligence processes in DNK.
Andreas Enger
CEO, Höegh AutolinersAndreas Enger is CEO of Höegh Autoliners, a role he has held since 2020, after joining the company as CFO in 2019. He brings extensive leadership experience from Deloitte, where he was Partner and held several senior Nordic roles, as well as from McKinsey & Company. He is currently President of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association.
He holds an MSc in Engineering Cybernetics from NTNU and an MBA from INSEAD.
Charlotte Demeer Strøm
Norwegian Shipowners’ AssociationCharlotte Demeer Strøm is Director – Head of International Politics at the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, where she works at the intersection of maritime policy, geopolitics and global regulation.
Charlotte advises shipping companies on complex regulatory, trade and geopolitical risks, including unilateral market‑access measures. Charlotte joined the Norwegian Shipowners`Association in 2009. Drawing on prior service in the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs respectively, Charlotte has extensive experience in understanding the interaction between global framework conditions and industry interests. Charlotte holds a Master of Laws degree from The University of Oslo and University of Aix-en-Provence.
Elisabeth Holvik
Chief Economist, SpareBank 1Chief Economist at SpareBank 1 Group, with extensive experience in economic and financial analysis from institutions including Norges Bank, Nordea, SEB and McKinsey & Company.
Author of two Norges Bank Watch reports commissioned by the Norwegian Ministry of Finance, and member of the government-appointed commission “Norway Towards 2025”. Serves on several boards, including Olav Thon Eiendom.
Francois Laborie
EVP, CogniteFrancois Laborie is Cognite’s Executive VP for Strategic Projects. He joined the leadership team of Norway’s first unicorn at its inception and has held multiple executive roles in Norway and abroad throughout the company’s journey. He spent the preceding 11 years with the Bergen headquartered software company Vizrt, where he served as COO and CCO.
Francois has always worked at the intersection of software and industry, ever since his PhD days at Airbus.
Andreas B. Heide
Marine biologist, sailor and filmmakerAndreas B. Heide is a Norwegian marine biologist, sailor and filmmaker who uses his Arctic sailing vessel Barba as a platform for science and storytelling within a broader context of ocean conservation. He has led multiple Arctic expeditions, collaborating with scientists, educational institutions and storytellers to bring an impactful ocean conservation message to life. In 2026, The Explorers Club named him to its EC50 — 50 people changing the world the world needs to know about.
Dag Kilen
Head of Research, FearnleysDag brings more than 25 years of experience across shipping, finance, and global affairs. He has spent the past 15 years at Fearnleys Shipbrokers, where he initially served as Senior Advisor in the oil tanker market before becoming Head of Research in early 2020.
Although his passion still lies in the tanker markets, Dag’s role today spans a broader landscape, including the oil and energy sectors and the impact of geopolitics on global shipping. His ability to connect market fundamentals with geopolitical developments has become a defining feature of his analysis.
Jasmin Mehrad
Analyst SSYJasmin works in Research and Project/Newbuilding Brokering at SSY, focusing on shipping projects and combining market research with newbuilding advisory.
Holding an MSc in Business with a major in Finance and a thesis focused on green investments in shipping, Jasmin previously worked in investment banking before joining Grieg Shipbrokers, later acquired by SSY. She is also active in promoting women in shipping and finance.
Elise Halkjelsvik
Dry Cargo Research at ClarksonsElise works in Dry Cargo Research at Clarksons, focusing on the dry bulk shipping market and the supply and demand fundamentals that drive freight rates.
Elise holds an MSc in Economics and Business Administration with a major in Finance from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), where her thesis explored the economics of wind-assisted propulsion in LNG shipping. Before joining Clarksons, she gained experience across asset management, investment banking, and accounting.
