Nor-Shipping 2021 and YoungShip to seek new talent with Young Entrepreneur Award

Nor-Shipping and YoungShip are looking to shine a spotlight on emerging maritime talent and solutions, with the announcement of the Young Entrepreneur Award 2021 (YEA). The accolade will see individuals and maritime business teams under the age of 40 fighting it out for a title positioning them at the vanguard of the industry – demonstrating their ability to tackle challenges, create opportunity and set new benchmarks. The winner will receive their award on 31 May at the Nor-Shipping Opening Ceremony in Oslo City Hall.

Previous winners are Tor Østervold, founder of ECOsubsea, Boyen Slat, founder of Ocean Cleanup, Tuomas Riski, CEO of Norsepower, and, in 2019, Agnes Árnadóttir and Espen Larsen-Hakkebo, the CEO and CFO of sustainable tourism operator, Brim Explorer.

“In a rapidly changing world, facing huge challenges, but also great ocean opportunities, this award has never been more relevant,” says, Per Martin Tanggaard, director external relations, Nor-Shipping. “YEA is designed to maximise exposure for young businesses, connecting them with the collaborators, investors and industry contacts that can help them transform potential into success. Nor-Shipping is the place for them to access a unique network.”

Entrants should demonstrate an ability to turn challenges into maritime business opportunities, create jobs, enhance efficiency, adopt best practices, and address sustainability issues. More details and a call for entries will be announced shortly.

“Given the challenges we’re facing, we can’t afford to stick to ‘business as usual’ and established ways of thinking – we need bold people, with bold ideas, and that is the essence of this award,” says Eleanor Scudder, secretary general, YoungShip International. “Here at YoungShip, we’re thrilled to continue our support of this important initiative. We have no idea who the winner will be, but we do know they’ll get a unique opportunity to accelerate their development.”