On World Ocean Day, representatives from KONGSBERG participated at UN Global Compact’s launch of the newly formed Sustainable Ocean Business Action Platform.

  • Text:HELENE STRØM BERGSET

  • Ove Ronny Haraldsen
    Group Communication Manager
    +47 99 15 59 20

The initiative is a three-year long programme aiming to bring together business, civil society, the UN and Governments to advance the ocean economy and sustainable development of the oceans.

The ocean is the world’s greatest common resource. While it holds great potential to deliver on the 2030 Agenda and UNs 17 Global Goals, it also meets an increasing global demand for more sustainable food, energy, minerals and transportation for a growing world population.

According to recent UN studies, the ocean is expected to contain more plastic than fish by 2050, and more than 90 % of coral reefs are at risk of dying out.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIER
“KONGSBERG is honored to be invited to contribute on such an important topic. With our expertise, technology and solutions in many strategical areas related to the oceans, we will be an active contributor to the platform which is to be developed. Technology for zero emission transport, offshore wind, ocean research and solving issues related to illegal fishery are examples of how we can contribute”, says Group Executive Vice President for Public Affairs, Even Aas.

The world’s population is expected to grow by 2.3 billion people by 2050. This means that food production should increase by nearly 70%. How? Offshore fish farming might offer one solution. Photo: Scanpix.

In the workshop, attendants participated with their view on the situation and how they could contribute in creating and ensuring sustainable business opportunities. There were discussions on which possibilities to prioritize and what the ambitions and goals should be for such a UN initiative.

“During the launch, we participated in a workshop where positive measures were identified. The next important milestone for the project is the UN General Assembly in late September, where there will be further discussions and work on the measures”, says Aas.

SUSTAINABILITY AND BUSINESS ALIGNED
As a leading technology supplier, KONGSBERG wants to contribute with their technology and expertise. KONGSBERG finds that sustainability includes both taking care of the environment and climate, whilst it also is profitable.

Therefore, KONGSBERG is committed to look at what opportunities the business community has for establishing sustainable business opportunities in the ocean. This reflects KONGSBERGs sustainability strategy which is an integrated part of the company’s overall business strategy.

The vessel “YARA Birkeland” will be the world’s first fully electric and autonomous container ship, with zero emissions.

“Both setting the opportunities and challenges in the sea high on the international agenda and developing concrete measures for sustainable development for the oceans is important and time crucial. We find that we have a lot to contribute. We believe there should be no contradiction between environmental and economic sustainability from a business perspective”, says Aas.

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