Recap

One Ocean Week to new heights

May 23, 2024

Almost 200 events over 7 days, and thousands of visitors, took One Ocean Week to new heights in its 2nd edition.

- One Ocean Week was lifted to new heights this year, now we see the contours of what this can become. We also see that this is something that is here to stay. Bergen as host city is in the process of creating something completely unique, where the sea is at the top of the agenda, says city council leader Christine Meyer.

The week started by welcoming Statsraad Lehmkuhl back from the North Sea. Both Saturday and Sunday there were activities and events for everyone at Festningskaien. There were exhibitions and demonstrations of technological innovations from the region's businesses, a science show, cultural scene, open ships, puzzle races, lectures, seafood tents and much, much more. Thousands of Bergens attended the opening weekend. One of the actors that participated was the Norwegian Navy.

-There were a lot of visitors and great interest in our activities. It is good to be present in the cityscape again, we experience a lot of positivity, both among our population and Bergen's population, said Commander Captain in the Norwegian Navy, Christian Oseberg.

When the Norwegian Navy docked with KNM Roald Amundsen and several other vessels in Vågen, it marked the start of a busy week in the harbor basin in Bergen. A number of ships, sailboats and electric boats filled almost every available meter along the quayside in the city.

At Skolten, the partners in One Ocean Bergen, Norway organized meetings, debates and lectures. The business conference One Ocean Conference took place in Grieghallen. Sea, climate, innovation and sustainability were on the agenda of all participants.

The future of the sea and Norway's role as a port nation

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre opened the One Ocean Summit, where the future of the ocean and Norway's role as a port nation were the topics. "One Ocean Youth Panel", with participants aged 18-28 from 17 different nations, challenged both the Prime Minister, the Director of Ocean Research and several other decision-makers on stage.

One Ocean Youth Panel Photo: Ole Henning Bøe

- They asked very good questions, said Director of Marine Research Nils Gunnar Kvamstø when the Young People's Ocean Panel challenged him and the Prime Minister on stage in front of the audience.

- One Ocean Youth Panel showed us the importance of listening to the young and letting them have their voice heard. This helped lift the whole sea week another step in the right direction, says county mayor in Vestland county, Jon Askeland, who is also chairman of One Ocean Havbyen Bergen.

The 2nd edition of One Ocean Week had a strong program throughout the week under the auspices of a number of players. Thank you to everyone who helped create this week.

Welcome back 5th-11th Of April 2025.