Program and speakers
The programme will be revealed gradually in the months ahead –stay tuned for updates! – but we can already announce these confirmed 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
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
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.
Knut Arild Hareide
Chief Executive Officer of the Norwegian Shipowners’ AssociationKnut Arild Hareide is Chief Executive Officer of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association and a former Norwegian government minister and party leader.
He has extensive experience from national politics, including serving as Minister of Transport and Communications and as leader of the Christian Democratic Party.
Hareide is recognised for his leadership in shaping Norwegian maritime policy and for his commitment to sustainable development and the green transition in shipping.
