**Oslo**: Ståle Hansen, CEO of Skuld, emphasises the critical need for collaboration within the maritime industry during an interview at Nor-Shipping 2025, highlighting partnerships as essential for navigating the complexities of climate change, regulations, and geopolitical challenges facing the sector today.
In a rapidly evolving maritime industry shaped by stringent regulations, climate issues, and complex geopolitical landscapes, collaboration emerges as a critical strategy for success. This sentiment was articulated by Ståle Hansen, President and CEO of Skuld, during his recent thought leader interview at Nor-Shipping 2025. Speaking from Oslo, Hansen underscored the importance of partnerships in navigating these turbulent waters, stating, “With strong partners,” the challenges can be effectively managed.
Hansen emphasised that the necessity for unification within the shipping industry has never been more pressing, particularly in light of increasing global divisions. “Shipping is the most global of all industries,” he remarked, highlighting the critical need for decision-makers to come together to facilitate knowledge sharing, forge partnerships, engage in vital discussions, and execute business deals. His assertion points to a collective understanding that collaboration can foster stability in an increasingly unstable world.
With over a decade of leadership at Skuld, which operates a global network of 11 offices employing over 300 staff, Hansen has firmly instilled the company’s core values: accuracy, boldness, care, and dedication. His approach emphasises the significance of fostering relationships underscored by transparency and honesty, which he deemed essential for success. This ethos extends into the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as Hansen declared that Skuld is steadfast in creating a workplace characterized by equity and belonging. “We want the best people, with the brightest talents, delivering optimal service to our customers,” he stated.
Reflecting on Skuld’s evolution since its inception as a P&I club for Scandinavian shipowners in 1897, Hansen expressed confidence in the company’s ability to maintain balance amidst changing industry dynamics. He identified Skuld’s extensive expertise as a valuable asset that provides clients with the security needed to navigate complex international sanctions, notably in light of the ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine. “Members, clients, and brokers need a trusted set of hands to guide them,” he asserted, underscoring the company’s robust capability to manage various legal and risk assessment scenarios.
Hansen elaborated on the shifting risk landscape, drawing attention to the implications of changing trade routes and geopolitical uncertainties that continuously reshape the maritime sector. He affirmed Skuld’s global presence, stating, “Through our network of offices, we are on hand globally to advise, assess, and structure cover accordingly.”
A key initiative reflecting Skuld’s forward-thinking approach is the establishment of the ‘Decarbonisation Hub’, designed to provide members with access to expertise on cutting-edge solutions as well as the requisite risk management associated with their adoption. Hansen explained that early adoption of new technologies can result in increased claims, thereby stressing the importance of knowledge sharing from the outset. “If we can share knowledge and build understanding from the outset, we can proactively address the risk picture,” he noted.
In terms of collaborative efforts, Hansen mentioned partnerships with various organisations, including the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Centre for Zero Carbon Shipping, BIMCO, and Cefor, which are indicative of Skuld’s commitment to industry-wide support in transitioning to future-proof solutions.
Nor-Shipping 2025, scheduled to take place in Oslo and Lillestrøm from 2 to 6 June, represents a significant opportunity for Skuld to engage with the maritime community. This event, which has been a collaborative endeavour for over 15 years, is viewed by Hansen as a crucial platform for gathering a broad spectrum of ocean industry stakeholders. He stated, “Oslo is a major maritime hub,” underlining the importance of the event for both the city and the company.
Skuld intends to host several events at Nor-Shipping, including a popular rooftop terrace party and meetings at its Decarbonisation Hub. Hansen expressed enthusiasm about the potential of the gathering, particularly in light of the current discourse surrounding division and disruption in the industry. He forecasted that Nor-Shipping could serve as a “reboot” for dialogue on collaborative, future-proof industry solutions, concluding with an invitation to “tear the walls down together at Nor-Shipping.”
Source: Noah Wire Services
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