https://www.scmp.com/rss/300992/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Norway stakes its future on the knowledge of its people. This core philosophy drives the country's innovation, which relies on steady government support for promising small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through Innovation Norway. By giving local ideas global opportunities, Innovation Norway strives to make Norway the world's most innovative country. It is off to a good start with Microsoft's expansion in the country - begun in 2008 to leverage on Norwegian search technology expertise and... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179995/nation-makes-case-knowledge-based-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179995/nation-makes-case-knowledge-based-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:37:16 +0000 Innovation comes with international co-operation as technological diffusion from advanced economies fuels growth in emerging markets. With China aiming for technological leadership in what many acknowledge as the Pacific century, Norwegian expertise is within reach and beneficial to the goal. "Norway and China business-wise are a good match - we are very often complementary, economically speaking," says Knut Sorlie, Beijing-based Innovation Norway regional director for China and commercial... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179988/positioned-pacific-century?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179988/positioned-pacific-century?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:35:08 +0000 Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the fuel of the future - and Hoegh LNG knows that floating regasification import terminals are the future of this fuel in accessing the fast-growing Asian natural gas market. LNG is the cheaper and cleaner alternative to standard fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, particularly for power production. Hoegh LNG designs, constructs and operates floating storage and regasification units (FSRU). An FSRU is more cost-efficient and flexible than land-based regasification... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179940/hoegh-lng-markets-floating-regasification-terminals-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179940/hoegh-lng-markets-floating-regasification-terminals-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:14:29 +0000 Two drivers cut across access solution projects in the offshore industry - personnel safety and environmental protection. Compared to the onshore sector, offshore activities require dependable structural suppliers due to the impact of harsher environmental conditions. Focused on value engineering, Marine Aluminium designs and fabricates aluminium structures and products for shipyards and shipbuilders supporting the offshore industry. The company's structures and products meet international... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179929/marine-aluminium-bridges-safety-and-offshore-productivity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179929/marine-aluminium-bridges-safety-and-offshore-productivity?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:10:25 +0000 When the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded in April 2010, the United States interior department created a team of experts to review the incident. This group included only one non-US member - ExproSoft. A global leader in oil well integrity software and analysis, ExproSoft works with more than 50 major oil and gas companies worldwide to provide database-driven well performance analytical products. "We wouldn't like another Macondo incident," says managing director and founder Einar Molnes. "Our... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179918/exprosoft-software-makes-safety-oil-wells-priority?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179918/exprosoft-software-makes-safety-oil-wells-priority?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:06:43 +0000 Tank vent check valves may not be top-of-mind items when it comes to safety at sea, but John Gjerde knows that these valves are crucial for maritime safety - and this includes ensuring ships are environmentally safe. As a company specialising in maritime tank-venting solutions, John Gjerde responds to the industry's demand for smaller ventilation heads. The company gives ships more breathing space by reducing the size of their tank vent check valves to increase the cargo-rail area. The valve... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179895/marine-tank-venting-specialist-guarantees-safe-and-smooth-sailing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179895/marine-tank-venting-specialist-guarantees-safe-and-smooth-sailing?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:57:02 +0000 The world's first electronic urban tolling was implemented in Norway, and Bro-og Tunnelselskapet (B&T) was the company behind this innovation. After proving the reliability of its tolling solutions, B&T expanded its technology beyond Norwegian borders to serve travellers crossing Europe. "We have to be efficient to come up with a solution that is acceptable to the population," says president and CEO Trond Juvik. "We can actually increase user flow and enhance the user experience." B&T is a part... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179881/urban-tolling-technology-crosses-europes-borders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179881/urban-tolling-technology-crosses-europes-borders?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:51:49 +0000 When human health and safety depend on fast, accurate testing, Skannex guarantees results in seconds with its proprietary software. Where traditional testing takes hours waiting at laboratories, Skannex's rapid testing solutions are compact and can be administered at the point of care. Image analysis expert Dag Bremnes, who is also founder and chief scientific officer of Skannex, developed the software. Embedded in Skannex products, such as SkanMulti, SkanEasy and SkanFlexi, the software enables... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179852/skannex-assures-accurate-and-speedy-bioassay-testing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179852/skannex-assures-accurate-and-speedy-bioassay-testing?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:42:07 +0000 The marine industry surged after the financial crisis of 2009. As businesses recover, control and monitoring systems, such as those offered by Auto-Maskin, play a significant role in minimising costs and ensuring sound investments. "We provide a high level of support when and where it is needed. We are flexible and we can meet clients everywhere," says Svend Skjeggedal, managing director of Auto-Maskin, one of Norway's leading technology solutions suppliers serving the marine and industrial... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179783/auto-maskin-makes-strides-marine-engine-solutions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179783/auto-maskin-makes-strides-marine-engine-solutions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:17:48 +0000 A seaman's cabin is his home away from home. With more than 30 years on rigs and platforms in the North Sea, Flexmodul has been raising the quality of life in the maritime and offshore industries. The company builds and refurbishes living quarters (LQ) that are independent of location or transport requirements. "As our name says, we are very flexible," says general manager Harald Larsen. "We can build all over the world with our Flexmodul system." Built in steel or aluminium, Flexmodul's... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179770/flexible-living-quarters-improve-life-sea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179770/flexible-living-quarters-improve-life-sea?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:13:36 +0000 Spectroscopic X-rays created for space exploration can revolutionise various industries with their stunning imaging capabilities. Space technology provider Gamma Medica-IDEAS (Norway) is ready to begin the step change with electronic waste recycling. "Our technology takes spectroscopic X-rays one step further by identifying different types of non-metals," says Dr Gunnar Maehlum, Gamma Medica-IDEAS general manager. Gamma Medica-IDEAS' X-rays can be used to sort various raw materials, such as... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179759/gamma-medica-ideas-develops-hi-tech-recycling-solution?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179759/gamma-medica-ideas-develops-hi-tech-recycling-solution?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:10:11 +0000 Norway's largest supplier of fire fighting equipment is poised for stronger growth opportunities after Netherlands-based SK FireSafety Group acquired the company in October last year. Continuing to operate under its own name and management, NOHA NORWAY is putting greater focus on developing and marketing fire and safety products for export to the oil and gas sector worldwide. "The shared knowledge and experience of NOHA and SK FireSafety Group provide us greater ability to serve our existing and... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179752/noha-reels-big-business-under-new-ownership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179752/noha-reels-big-business-under-new-ownership?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:07:10 +0000 The oil and gas industry is beset with challenges. Oil service companies constantly look for solutions that address subsea leakage detection, surveillance and evaluation issues. With heightened awareness for safety and environmental protection, Trollhetta combines human experience and technology to solve these industry challenges. An expert in image analysis, pattern recognition and artificial intelligence, Trollhetta offers tools to detect abnormalities in subsea operations. "Technology is our... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179743/trollhetta-offers-tools-detect-subsea-abnormalities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179743/trollhetta-offers-tools-detect-subsea-abnormalities?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:02:59 +0000 Mustad Longline has always risen above the tides of innovation. As global demand in the industrial fishing sector increases, the company continues to create more efficient and productive ways of catching fish. "We took a long shot at technology to build a machine that nobody has ever seen or done. We innovated the way of fishing with hook and line," says Christian Engh, president and CEO of Mustad Longline. With more than 100 years of history in the fish hook business, Mustad Longline has become... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179700/mustad-longline-swims-above-tides-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179700/mustad-longline-swims-above-tides-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:43:27 +0000 Less is more for Nordisk Aviation Products. As the leading provider of air cargo containers and pallets, also known as unit load devices (ULDs), the company is enabling more airlines in Asia to reduce their fuel burn with lighter transportation equipment. "Nordisk's best contribution to support customers' business and their success is to make sure we deliver the lightest weight and the most durable ULDs along with related services," says president Frode Ljoterud. Nordisk, which was acquired by... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179687/nordisk-lightens-loads-asian-air-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179687/nordisk-lightens-loads-asian-air-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:36:34 +0000 With its global positioning system (GPS) down, an oil tanker escapes the mist within seconds to avoid an iceberg. No need for alarm though. This is just one of the many simulations Marine Cybernetics conducts using its CyberSea software. Founded by four cybernetics and hydrodynamics professors from Norwegian University of Science and Technology 10 years ago, Marine Cybernetics offers third-party testing and verification of maritime software. It is the first in the world to use... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179672/marine-cybernetics-ensures-safety-cybersea-software?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179672/marine-cybernetics-ensures-safety-cybersea-software?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:31:55 +0000 In an era where every drop counts, the oil and gas industry is taking all measures to maximise production and recovery. Many leading players are turning to Roxar, whose software turns information into value. "Roxar helps operators increase oil and gas recovery, reduce uncertainty and make improved field management decisions," says Roxar managing director Kjetil Fagervik. Roxar's reputation has been on the rise. A homegrown success story, the company developed the first-ever 3D geological... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179655/roxar-brings-change-asian-oil-and-gas-industry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179655/roxar-brings-change-asian-oil-and-gas-industry?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:25:07 +0000 Thousands of ships worldwide are shipshape, thanks to Norway's leading deck equipment manufacturer, Varde. The company meets the vessel construction needs of shipyards and shipowners throughout Europe and the rest of the world. "Good products, good quality and good advice make a good combination for us," says sales manager Odd Gjeldnes. "Because of our 30 years in the market, we can help clients decide on what products they need." Through its industrial department NORPRO, Varde designs and makes... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179518/varde-decks-shipbuilding-industry-equipment-mainland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179518/varde-decks-shipbuilding-industry-equipment-mainland?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:12:26 +0000 In an era where profitability still reigns over environmental responsibility, one visionary strikes a groundbreaking balance as it transforms carbon dioxide into commercially viable products. "Simply put, we help emitters such as power plants neutralise their carbon waste. We turn their carbon dioxide into soda chemicals, which in turn are used by various other industries," says Christian Theiste, managing director at carbon capture and usage specialist EnPro. "It is a win-win on all sides - all... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179408/enpro-transforms-carbon-dioxide-footprint-profitable-products?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179408/enpro-transforms-carbon-dioxide-footprint-profitable-products?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:27:42 +0000 The body needs Omega-3 fatty acids to regulate tissue development, maintain normal blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Children and the elderly, however, have difficulty ingesting fish oil supplements because of its size and taste. Ayanda Group, leading manufacturer of Omega-3 nutraceuticals, addresses the intake issue through ConCordix - a technological breakthrough in gel tablet production. ConCordix resolves common complaints on fish oil products, such as reflux and fishy taste. A pioneer... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179398/ayanda-breakthrough-improves-fish-oil-intake?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179398/ayanda-breakthrough-improves-fish-oil-intake?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:24:32 +0000 The mainland's chemical industry has grown about tenfold in the past decade. Together with emerging economies in Asia, the country will lead growth in global chemical production, which is seen to reach more than US$5 trillion by 2015. Focused on the east of Suez market, Atlas Chemical Tankers (ACT) allows shipowners, banks and other investors to partake in these developments by providing specialised turnkey management and operations of chemical tankers. "We provide hands-on expertise to clients... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179351/atlas-chemical-tankers-eyes-east-suez?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179351/atlas-chemical-tankers-eyes-east-suez?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:05:53 +0000 When million-dollar investments are literally on the line, BMS Davinci makes sure offshore operations enjoy smooth sailing with its electrical and hydraulic lifting solutions. BMS Davinci is a member of the BMS group in Bryne. Its Bryne winch has been the basis for BMS Davinci's wide range of winches since 1989 and remains popular in marine construction. "Having to stop offshore production due to faulty equipment is very costly for companies," says general manager Einar Jan Ronæs. "This is why... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179107/revolutionary-tether-management-system-uplifts-offshore-operations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179107/revolutionary-tether-management-system-uplifts-offshore-operations?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000 Large shipyards on the mainland flourished due to the order boom of 2007. While the financial downturn has weakened demand, seasoned maritime companies view the ebb as an opportunity to upgrade existing equipment, anticipating the next market swell. Offshore vessels need strong information technology (IT) and communications tools to remain competitive. Maritime companies invest hugely in these tools and rely on Palantir to ensure their investments are used efficiently. A leading provider of... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179029/palantir-it-solutions-keep-seafarers-happy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179029/palantir-it-solutions-keep-seafarers-happy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 03:27:22 +0000 With groundbreaking design and innovation, Batservice Mandal has created some of the world's fastest and most powerful vessels. "The hull lines are a key factor in our boat design, which we have developed for many years," says Bjorn Fjellhaugen, managing director of the Batservice Group. The company's special hull design makes the boats lighter, faster and more economical as the vessels require smaller engines. The use of carbon fibre instead of aluminium further cuts body weight by 40 per cent.... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179016/batservice-mandal-makes-waves-hull-design?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179016/batservice-mandal-makes-waves-hull-design?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 03:19:12 +0000 Lattix Systems aims to be a safety advocate in Asia's airport development. The company installs frangible structures on automated facilities for approach light systems, instrument landing systems and weather observation systems in the global aviation industry. Lattix also wants to contribute to ensuring safety in the region's elevated highways. "We live to save lives," says managing director Gunnar Bendigtsen. "If somebody accidentally falls asleep on the road or makes a horrible mistake and... https://www.scmp.com/article/1179002/saving-lives-lattix-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1179002/saving-lives-lattix-way?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 03:11:45 +0000 A good bed spells the difference between a rejuvenating sleep and a restless night. As humans spend approximately one-third of their lives sleeping, the bed is critical to vastly improving the quality of life. Bed expert Jensen Mobler has built its brand on developing innovations that promote sleep comfort. "Sleep comfort is difficult to quantify so at Jensen Mobler we say feeling is believing," says Jan Trygve Jensen, managing director. "We focus on innovation to always push the limits in... https://www.scmp.com/article/1178985/jensen-mobler-beds-offer-utmost-sleep-comfort?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1178985/jensen-mobler-beds-offer-utmost-sleep-comfort?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 03:03:47 +0000 A shipping company that delivers peace of mind as much as it delivers goods - this is how Solvang differentiates itself in the competitive gas shipping industry. "Our philosophy is that we win on having the most modern ships, providing outstanding quality and reliability in terms of the vessels themselves and our services," says Solvang CEO Edvin Endresen. Trusted by industry leaders including Statoil, Koch and SABIC, Solvang combines more than 70 years of Norwegian shipping expertise with a... https://www.scmp.com/article/1178965/solvang-sails-greenest-most-modern-lpg-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1178965/solvang-sails-greenest-most-modern-lpg-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:56:08 +0000 Being on the ground and understanding local cultures empower the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund) to alleviate poverty. Norfund invests in the establishment of sustainable enterprises. It opened an office in Bangkok which has been instrumental in tapping emerging economies in the region. The Norwegian government's development finance institution creates profitable business ventures, investing in central America, eastern and southern Africa and the greater Mekong... https://www.scmp.com/article/1178939/norfund-anchors-global-growth-emerging-economies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1178939/norfund-anchors-global-growth-emerging-economies?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:39:03 +0000 The booming offshore industry on the mainland stands to benefit from the specialised marine and maritime expertise of Aalesund University College (AAUC). The university college trains students to combine technology, practical skills and business acumen to sustain the growth of the mainland's offshore sector. Boasting an excellent maritime technology and operations faculty and in-house Norwegian Maritime Competence Centre, AUCC advances knowledge transfer between Nordic and Chinese institutions... https://www.scmp.com/article/1178893/industry-academia-partnership-core-aaucs-curriculum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1178893/industry-academia-partnership-core-aaucs-curriculum?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:14:44 +0000