Hyperloop to arrive at Nor-Shipping 2017

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) – the company leading the charge to realise the concept of transporting people and cargo safely, efficiently and very quickly through vacuum tubes – is set to bring its own brand of disruptive thinking to Nor-Shipping 2017, when the event returns to Oslo from 30th May to 2nd June.

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) – the company leading the charge to realise the concept of transporting people and cargo safely, efficiently and very quickly through vacuum tubes – is set to bring its own brand of disruptive thinking to Nor-Shipping 2017, when the event returns to Oslo from 30th May to 2nd June.

The firm, which encompasses more than 50 teams working together across 38 countries, is sending a delegation led by Co-founder and Chairman Bibop Gresta, who will speak at the maritime event week’s Opening Conference on 30th May. HTT will also exhibit in Nor-Shipping’s new Disruptive Sustainability hall (Hall A) in Lillestrøm and host the International Networking event in the Delegates’ Lounge on the opening evening. Focus areas for HTT will include port efficiency and hinterland connectivity.

“This is a real coup for us, and our delegates,” commented Nor-Shipping Director Birgit Liodden. “The hyperloop concept was introduced to the world by Elon Musk – and HTT, which uses incredibly fast, safe and environmentally friendly ‘passive magnetic levitation’ technology, has emerged at the vanguard of the race to realise its potential.

“The system, which can transport suspended capsules containing either passengers or cargo at speeds of over 1,000 km/h over long distances, is a true disruptor. It can revolutionise the way we travel, and the fundamental nature of our industry. For example, ports could use hyperloop to transport containers to and from inland depots, drastically reducing congestion, surface traffic, emissions and handling time.

“Remember, sometimes the best shipping ideas come from outside the industry – such as shipping containers themselves, invented by haulage pioneer Malcolm McLean – and we need to seek out the best thinkers and enablers to support our future development. In this case, we have a truly inspiring partner, one that can open a window onto the future of our sector, and the world around us.”

Nor-Shipping delegates can also look forward to a world first – experiencing hyperloop. HTT is using the exhibition to launch a virtual reality hyperloop, giving users the sensation of travelling by passive levitation for the first time. It is, Ms Liodden says, “an opportunity not to be missed.”

“HTT has signed a series of agreements with partners such as the city of Brno, Czech Republic and Abu Dhabi, and the UAE to test feasibility and development potential,” she stated. “This technology, which is supported by an innovative global crowdsourcing network, is here to stay and we believe it can genuinely impact upon and inspire our industry.

“It is the perfect fit for our Disruptive Sustainability hall, where our exhibitors will showcase the best ideas from inside and outside the industry and question conventional thinking and business models. This type of technology is not a threat to shipping, it’s an opportunity. It’s up to us to embrace change, not resist it. That’s the only way to build a truly sustainable, long-term future for shipping.”

HTT joins a range of high-profile exhibitors that have already booked their place in the 1,245-square-metre hall, including DNV GL, DNB and Siemens. HTT’ Chairman Mr Gresta, meanwhile, is another star name on a speaker programme that already includes global thought leaders Tony Seba and Parag Khanna, Leif O. Høegh (Chairman of Höegh Autoliners), Mike Utsler (COO Woodside Energy), Peter Justesen (Chief Shipping Officer at Engie), Norbert Kouwenhoven (IBM Global Trade Digitisation, Customs and Borders Lead), and Peggy Liu (Chairperson of Joint US-CHINA Collaboration on Clean Energy – JUCCCE), amongst others.

Nor-Shipping 2017, taking place across a series of venues in Oslo and Lillestrøm from 30th May to 2nd June, is expected to attract around 35,000 visitors, with almost 1,000 of the world’s leading maritime companies exhibiting.

Further details of the packed speaker and activity programme will be released in the weeks leading up to 30th May.

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