Eksfin - Experts & Thought Leaders

Nexans is a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of cables systems and services, specialising in the offshore wind market and subsea interconnectors. To secure Nexans’ cable deliveries to transmission system operator TenneT's North Sea projects, Eksfin in collaboration with Societe Generale provides a EUR 290 million performance guarantee. Nexans’ legal entity in Norway To support the delivery of subsea power cables for Germany’s renewable energy expansion, Export Finance Norway (Eksfin) worked with Societe Generale to provide a performance guarantee to Nexans. The guarantee is issued through Nexans’ legal entity in Norway. The total guarantee amount is EUR 290 million, shared equally between Eksfin and Paris-based bank Societe Generale, meaning each covers up to EUR 145 million. Offshore wind parks Nexans will deliver and install subsea power cables that will transport energy from offshore wind parks The guarantee supports a framework agreement signed in May 2023 between TenneT and Nexans, valued at an initial EUR 1.7 billion. Under this agreement, Nexans will deliver and install subsea power cables that will transport energy from offshore wind parks in the North Sea to the German market via the grid projects BalWin3, LanWin 4 and LanWin 2. Key stakeholder statements "Winning contracts on this scale depends on our ability to source appropriate bank guarantees. As an export-oriented company, having Eksfin’s large risk capacity on our side is a strong competitive advantage," said Lars Christian Eriksen, CEO of Nexans Norway. Eksfin Managing Director Ms. Tone Lunde Bakker added: "Supporting Norwegian suppliers to international offshore wind projects is a key strategic priority for Eksfin. It is our mission to help more Norwegian exporters win contracts to renewable energy projects globally. I am delighted that together with Nexans, we have succeeded in securing yet another large export contract for the Norwegian wind industry in this important market.” Societe Generale's Head of Trade Services, Marie-Laure Gastellu, commented: "Our collaboration with Eksfin has helped to come up with this solution to support Nexans’ projects. This transaction illustrates the bank’s capacity to develop complex and tailored solutions for our clients in strategic sectors such as the offshore wind energy.”

A who’s who of business leaders, ocean experts, and key industry stakeholders have been announced as participants in 2023’s Nor-Shipping Blue Talks. The unique programme, running from 6 – 8 June, will see CEOs, politicians, and changemakers discussing the key ‘big issues’ facing ocean development today and tomorrow. Theme: successful, sustainable #PartnerShips 2023’s Blue Talks support Nor-Shipping’s main theme of forming successful, sustainable #PartnerShips within the ocean space. Each hour-long session is devoted to the strategies, solutions, and technologies capable of transforming ocean challenges and opportunities into long-term, responsible business growth. Nor-Shipping Director Sidsel Norvik says the discussions deliver “unique insights from some of the brightest minds in the business.” From people to power Twelve themed Blue Talks will take place in Hall E at Nor-Shipping’s exhibition facilities in Lillestrøm, Norway Twelve themed Blue Talks will take place in Hall E at Nor-Shipping’s exhibition facilities in Lillestrøm, Norway. An opening series of ‘Ted Talks’ style presentations will kick the programme off with a star cast of industry A-listers, featuring; Jarand Rystad, CEO of Rystad Energy, Lynn Loo, CEO, of Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, Ana Fontoura Gouveia, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate, Portugal, and Siva Ariyapadi, Global Business Manager, Bioenergy, ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions. The following sessions cover a broad spectrum of topics, including; future fuels, CO2 capture, offshore wind, sustainable finance, autonomy, green shipping corridors, talent recruitment and development, and much more. Blue buzz “The Blue Talks always create a buzz both at Nor-Shipping and throughout the industry and this year will be no exception,” states Norvik. “We have an amazing line-up of ocean stakeholders gathered from all over the world to tackle some of our biggest issues head-on." “The intimate setting and lively chats with moderator Craig Eason make for an engaging atmosphere and truly compelling content. With an industry in transition, looking out for both the ways to work together and the solutions and strategies for tomorrow, these sessions offer real value and inspiration. I’d advise everyone to check out the programme and add them to their calendar.” Delivering value The Blue Talks are free of charge, but space is limited to ‘just’ 120 seated audience members The Blue Talks are free of charge, but space is limited to ‘just’ 120 seated audience members. In addition to the opening session line-up, speakers include names such as Maarten Lodewijks, CEO & Founder, of Value Maritime; Tone Lunde Bakker, CEO, of Export Finance Norway; Erik Dyrkoren, CEO, of Zeabuz; Philippe Kavafyan, Executive Director, Aker Horizons; Cristina Aleixendri, Co-founder & CEO, Bound4Blue; Danielle Southcott, Founder, Veer Group; Diane Gilpin, CEO, Smart Green Shipping; and many more. A world of opportunity Nor-Shipping runs from 6-9 June, bringing the global maritime and ocean industries together at venues across Oslo and Lillestrøm. In addition to 22,000m2 of exhibition space, a host of social, networking, and knowledge-sharing activities are planned, including the Ocean Leadership Conference, the first-ever Nor-Shipping Offshore Wind and Offshore Aquaculture Conferences, the 2nd Maritime Hydrogen Conference, The Nor-Shipping BBQ, the Fourth International Autonomy Summit, the AfterWork@AkerBrygge social scene, and much more.

The government of Benin has awarded a contract to Norwegian technology company, Vissim to deliver a coastal monitoring system designed for improved environmental monitoring and safer passage along Benin’s coastline and ocean area. The ultimate objective is to increase international trade with Benin. The contract is funded by Export Finance Norway. Vissim secures contract from Benin government The contract was signed at a ceremony in Cotonou, Benin, by Minister of Defence, Fortunet Alain Nouatin, on behalf of Benin’s government, and Per Henæs, CEO of Vissim. Benin’s Minister of Finance, Romuald Wadagni, has further signed both the purchase contract with Vissim and the financing agreement with Export Finance Norway. Romuald Wadagni, Benin’s Minister of Finance stated “For us, this system means that it will be easier to conduct safe trade with Benin, with the positive social development it entails. In addition, we create fertile ground for new investments that are conditional on a safe coastline and ocean areas, such as tourism and energy infrastructure. We also appreciate that Export Finance Norway offers competitive financing to facilitate our technology purchase from Vissim.”   Vissim, renowned software developer and solutions provider We will essentially digitise the coastline and ocean area offshore Benin, plus the country’s busiest port" Vissim is a software developer and turnkey sensor, and infrastructure provider for advanced marine optimisation systems, around the globe. The company is headquartered in Horten, Norway. Per Henæs, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vissim, said “We will essentially digitise the coastline and ocean area offshore Benin, plus the country’s busiest port. This enables the authorities to enhance protection of the local environment, combat illegal fishing, improve maritime safety, optimise port efficiency, and thereby contribute towards lower greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.” 24/7 operating window The core of Vissim’s technology is a specially designed software platform which through input from millions of data points creates situational awareness of the geographical area and increases understanding of maritime safety, security and efficiency. Vissim has delivered similar systems to authorities in Thailand and Egypt, plus to numerous offshore wind farms all over the world. The system provides a real time overview of marine traffic and factors affecting it, such as weather, wind, wave height, tidal conditions and more. It also integrates data from CCTV-cameras, the automatic vessel identification system (AIS), weather stations, VHF radio traffic, and drones. The system, including all sensors, will be operational in all weather conditions, around the clock. All the collected data converted via Machine Learning Per Henæs added, “Our software takes all this data and converts it via Machine Learning, to an easy-to-understand overview that is displayed on large screens. The ministries of environment, fisheries, customs, coast guard, harbour authorities and police authorities can benefit from the solution.” Per Henæs refers to that the Ministry of Environment can utilise the system to monitor and prevent oil spills, and illegal sewage discharge from vessels, while the Ministry of Fisheries can detect and prevent illegal fishing. Customs can check that vessels arriving in Benin are cleared and thereby prevent smuggling Customs can check that vessels arriving in Benin are cleared and thereby prevent smuggling. Harbour authorities can ensure safer entry and departure and more efficient port logistics. The police can utilise the system to prevent piracy, which can be a problem for vessels that are moored in the Gulf of Guinea. Sensor sites and control room Vissim’s scope of work includes delivery of four sensor sites along Benin’s coastline. Each of the coastal monitoring base stations will be equipped with CCTV, radars and technology that can detect oil spills. The equipment will cover the entire coastline and up to 25 nautical miles offshore. The company will also supply drones that are equipped with advanced cameras. Vissim to deliver infrastructure, such as servers Vissim will also deliver infrastructure, such as servers and large screens, to a 500 square metre control room that is located in Cotonou, which is Benin’s largest port and the country’s economic capital. According to the contract, all equipment should be installed and operational within 15 months after contract signing, meaning by April 2023. Per Henæs further stated, “It has taken three years to get this project in place. This is quite fast compared to other countries. I would like to praise Beninese authorities for being decision-oriented and securing solid progress, during a challenging global COVID-19 pandemic.” Vissim will establish a local company in Benin, in order to provide the best possible operational support to Beninese authorities. The company will employ 4-5 IT employees that are specialists in Vissim’s technologies and systems. Financed by Export Finance Norway Beninese authorities finance the equipment purchase through an export loan issued by Export Finance Norway Vissim’s contract value is approximately 12.5 million Euros. In addition, Vissim commits to providing at least five years’ user support for a fixed annual fee, which comes in addition to the contract value. Beninese authorities finance the equipment purchase through an export loan issued by Export Finance Norway. The issued loan is at 85 percent of contract value with ten years maturity. Per Henæs said, “Being able to offer our customer a competitive financing solution through Export Finance Norway is a great example of how Norwegian businesses can utilise policy instruments to secure export of Norwegian technology.” Promoting specific sales contracts abroad Export Finance Norway can provide government loans and guarantees that promote specific sales contracts abroad, export-promoting investments in Norway, or other types of transactions that contribute to Norwegian value creation and employment. “We are delighted to contribute towards Benin securing its coastal monitoring system from Norwegian technology company Vissim,” said Tone Lunde Bakker, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Export Finance Norway, adding “Environmental monitoring and safer passage along the coastline are positive and can open up further trade opportunities for the country. We also congratulate Vissim with a contract that can open up new business prospects.”  Possible expansion The contract between Vissim and Beninese authorities includes the options to further expand their cooperation and the coastal monitoring system. For example, there is a contract option to install transponders on 800 Beninese fishing vessels, as part of the efforts to prevent illegal fishing from foreign fishing vessels, at a distance of up to 25 nautical miles offshore.