The Norwegian Business Association China (NBA China) and the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Shanghai are pleased to invite you to an evening seminar featuring the newly released report "Inland Waterways China: Status and Opportunities for Norwegian Industry."

China's inland waterway sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by large-scale infrastructure development, decarbonization ambitions, and the transition towards greener and more intelligent shipping. As the sector continues to modernize, new opportunities are emerging for technology providers and other industry players.

The report explores the development of China's inland shipping market and the opportunities arising from its green transition, including developments in methanol, battery-electric and hydrogen technologies, policy and subsidy frameworks, fleet modernization, and potential market-entry models for Norwegian companies.

While this transition creates new opportunities for Norwegian maritime technology and service providers, the market also presents challenges. China's inland waterway industry remains highly local, making local competence, partnerships, and competitive business models important considerations for international companies seeking to enter the market.

The seminar will present the key findings of the report, followed by a panel discussion bringing together industry perspectives on the opportunities and challenges for Norwegian companies in China's inland waterway sector.

Agenda:

17:30–18:00 | Registration

18:00–18:05 | Welcome Remarks

18:05–18:45 | Report Presentation & Interpretation

Presentation of key findings from the report Inland Waterways China: Status and Opportunities for Norwegian Industry.

• Mr. Chen Ying, Former Senior Advisor at Innovation Norway

18:45–19:30 | Panel Discussion: Opportunities and Challenges for Norwegian Companies (Moderated by Mr. Henning Kristoffersen

Commercial counsellor of Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beijing / Country Director of Innovation Norway China)

• Ms. Lucy Lu, Sales & Marketing Director, Ulstein
• Mr. Ren Li, Country Manager China, Corvus Energy
• China Macro Group (tbd)



19:30 | Mingling with dinner

Date: 15 September 2026

Time: 17:30-20:30

Venue: Consul General's Residence in Shanghai (The detailed venue information will be shared with participants following registration)

We look forward to welcoming you for an insightful discussion on the development of China's inland waterways and what this evolving market could mean for Norwegian industry.