NBAS member Assentiri has taken the lead in the much-needed modernization of shipping transactions with state-of-the-art technology from the fintech sector. Transactions in the maritime industry continue to rely heavily on manual, unstructured, and paper-intensive processes, which are time-consuming and resource-intensive. Assentiri aims to change this. Leveraging Stacc Quesnay’s advanced Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) solutions, they provide a streamlined process that benefits shipowners, shipbrokers, banks, and lawyers. Assentiri was founded in 2023 with strong ties to Norway and Singapore, two of the world’s leading maritime nations. The initiator is Torgeir Willumsen, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the company. He is a maritime lawyer with extensive experience in maritime asset transactions. Joining him as co-founder is Philip Røer, who is the Chairman of the company and also CEO of Stacc Quesnay, which provides the technology that powers Assentiri’s products and services. Røer explains that

Established in 1955, the Seamen’s Mission in Singapore has consistently provided a sanctuary for Norwegians living abroad, mirroring the spirit of its iconic counterparts in Rotterdam, Rio de Janeiro, New York, and across the globe. Located at 300 Pasir Panjang Road, the Mission sits atop a hill, offering a tranquil retreat from the industrial surroundings of ships, port terminals, and warehouses in Singapore’s dynamic business environment. Upon entering, an inviting scent of heart-shaped waffles immediately welcomes the visitors, symbolizing the warmth and care the Norwegian Seamen’s Mission extends to its community. Jan Brattgjerd, the Managing Director and Chaplain, shares, “These waffles are more than just a treat; they embody the love and care we provide for our community.” The Norwegian Seamen’s Mission is a crucial part of Team Norway in Singapore, with The Embassy, Norwegian Business Association Singapore (NBAS) and Innovation Norway. From excursions to lunches Mr. Brattgjerd emphasizes the

In an ambitious move to champion sustainable maritime solutions, Norway has announced the initiation of a multi-year green maritime export program targeting Singapore and the broader Southeast Asian region.The Singapore Green Maritime High Potential Opportunities (HPO) program, spearheaded by Innovation Norway and supported by Team Norway in Singapore, is designed to assist a group of Norwegian companies in securing contracts exceeding 500 million kroner in export opportunities within green maritime technologies in the region. Strategic partnership for a greener future Norway and Singapore, both leading global maritime hubs, have a long history of collaboration as maritime innovation partners and have common challenge in the pressing need to decarbonise the shipping industry. “This HPO program zeroes in on two critical components of the Maritime Singapore Decarbonization Blueprint 2050 – the decarbonisation of domestic harbour crafts, and the development of future marine fuels, including hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and biofuels,” explains Arne-Kjetil Lian, Director

Building up to Singapore Norway Chamber of Commerce’ event Deal Making in Asia 12 February, I spoke with DNB Markets, a leading actor in developing robust economic relations between Norway and the APAC region. DNB Markets’ role in enhancing Norway-APAC economic relations gains further significance in light of recent statistics. According to Statistics Norway (SSB), trade between Norway and APAC countries reached a record NOK 125 billion (approximately USD 14.3 billion) in 2022, underscoring the growing economic interconnectivity. Since establishing its base in Singapore in 1970, DNB Markets has been at the forefront of leveraging Norway’s industrial strengths, particularly in energy, maritime, and seafood sectors, to cultivate strategic investments and transactions across APAC. Dominant energy sector Joachim Skorge, Regional Head of Asia-Pacific, Investment reflects on the firm’s strategic positioning, emphasizes the importance of Singapore as a critical link for their target industries. “Our business model is predicated on our profound industry knowledge