All posts by Margrethe Harboe

Norway’s offshore wind suppliers remain committed to US market

Business News, Energy

Despite uncertainty about US markets, one thing is for sure: Norwegian companies still believe in both short-term and long-term opportunities in US offshore wind.

Norwegian offshore wind suppliers, including Autronica, DOF and Uptime International, are forging ahead with plans to expand their activities in the US.

New offshore wind technology to be introduced

DOF plans to launch new offshore wind technology in the US by Q4 2025. The company has made a strategic decision and financial commitment to build a new cable lay quadrant handling system for the installation and repair of inter-array cables. DOF has designed the system to fit on several of its vessels for North Sea and US East Coast projects.

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Norway Is the First Country to Fill All Its F-35 Lightning Orders

Business News, Defense / Security

With its F-35s in hand, Norway is now well equipped to defend its skies aerially.


Earlier this month, Norway became the first Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) partner nation to fulfill its F-35 program of record. Upon completing the delivery of the fifty-first and fifty-second F-35As to the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Norway is now well equipped to defend its skies aerially. Norwegian minister of finance Tore O. Sanvik noted that “The aircraft ensure that we can safeguard Norwegian sovereignty and maintain even better control over our areas on land, at sea and in the air.” Other Norwegian officials mirrored this rhetoric, adding that the sophistication of the fifth-generation fighter will undoubtedly play a critical role in supporting NATO missions.

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Klimapolitikk på vei mot lavutslippssamfunnet

Business News, Government

I klimameldingen staker regjeringen ut kursen for hvordan Norge skal bli et lavutslippssamfunn. Arbeiderparti-regjeringen vil kutte utslipp, skape jobber og trygge norsk konkurransekraft.

– Verden står i en usikker tid. Arbeiderparti-regjeringen skal skape trygghet for morgendagen og tro på framtida. Klimaendringene er i seg selv en sikkerhetsutfordring som utfordrer tryggheten vår. Klima og natur skal være rammen og fundamentet for alt vi gjør, og i klimameldingen legger vi fram de store linjene for klimapolitikken fremover, sier klima- og miljøminister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.

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Ripple effects from Equinor in Norway continue to grow

Business News, Energy

A new report finds that deliveries within exploration, development projects and operation of Equinor-operated fields and onshore facilities in Norway continued to grow in 2024.

Equinor procured goods and services with a total value of NOK 142.6 billion, an increase from 134 billion in 2023. 93 per cent of this came from Norwegian suppliers located in 260 different municipalities. This resulted in an employment effect of more than 85 thousand full-time equivalents.

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AmCham 2025 AGM & Transatlantic Business Assembly

AmCham News

AmCham Annual General Meeting & Transatlantic Business Assembly 2025

Managing Director Jason Turflinger extended a warm welcome to attendees at AmCham’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, graciously hosted by Thommessen. He presented the organization’s non-profit results, future initiatives, and strategic priorities. AmCham Chair Ketil Nordengen (3M) emphasized the critical role of pragmatic collaboration and trusted cross-industry partnerships. With nearly 400 US companies operating in Norway and deep commercial ties in both directions, Nordengen stressed the need for strategic resilience, informed decision-making, and shared learning. He reaffirmed AmCham’s commitment to its core priorities: public-private trust, business innovation, stable frameworks, and professional development – principles that continue to guide members through change.

A Renewed AmCham Board of Directors

Nominees for AmCham’s Board of Directors were announced, with Andreea Mocofan (MSD) and Christian Aho (Citi) confirmed and warmly welcomed. The renewed Board of Directors boasts extensive, international cross-industry expertise, well capable of boosting key pro-business initiatives.

Outgoing board member Michael Klem was warmly recognized for his 20 years of outstanding service and steadfast dedication to AmCham Norway’s transatlantic mission. His remarkable contributions and deep commitment have left a lasting impact on the organization. Notably, his two-decade board tenure marks the longest in AmCham’s 67-year history.

Michael Klem recognized for his service
agm2025-08
Chair Ketil Nordengen

Advancing Transatlantic Collaboration in Times of Transition

Following the AGM, the annual Transatlantic Assembly commenced, focusing on industrial policy, sustainability, and evolving global trade dynamics. Host and Thommessen’s Managing Partner Sverre Tyrhaug provided opening remarks, followed by keynotes from Bridget Fawcett, Global Head of Sustainability & Corporate Transitions Investment Banking at Citi, and Heidi Nordby Lunde, Member of Parliament (H).

Fawcett highlighted the Nordics’ longstanding leadership within sustainability, noting that progress, albeit not always linear, is tangible and gaining momentum. She underscored the importance of Nordic-US collaboration in the energy transition, particularly given shared goals around net-zero targets and renewable investments. Nordby Lunde emphasized the need for political and regulatory predictability amid shifts in global trade. She raised concerns about rising protectionism, calling for fair competition, trust-based partnerships, and greater acknowledgment of shifting perceptions between Europe and the US.

Robert S. Needham, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the US Embassy in Oslo, provided brief remarks to the audience, emphasizing that Norway remains an important partner, with strong bilateral cooperation grounded in mutual interests.

“We value the productive working relationship with AmCham. We also welcome AmCham’s perspective on opportunities to grow our bilateral trade and investment collaboration and identify gaps where our industries may have mutual interests. Norway remains an important partner, and we’re keen to build on our existing success, including in key sectors such as energy, defense, tech, and critical minerals. We have a close dialogue on many levels with the Government of Norway and the private sector, and the US-Norway bilateral commercial dialogue is one such opportunity for our governments to engage and to consult with industry.”

The subsequent panel discussion addressed the strategic importance of deepening transatlantic cooperation across sustainability, defense, and industrial transformation. Fawcett and Nordby Lunde were joined by Hedvig Moe, Partner & National Security Advisory Lead at Thommessen, Frank Øverli, Vice President Corporate Development at Hydro, and Kåre Aas, former Norwegian Ambassador to the US/Special Advisor at Kruse Larsen.

Panelists highlighted the urgency of securing critical minerals, strengthening supply chains, and fostering energy innovation. Norway’s role as a stable and trusted partner was acknowledged as an advantage to navigating geopolitical uncertainty.

The panel agreed that rebuilding and maintaining trust, ensuring open communication, and balancing national security with fair market access are essential for long-term cooperation. There was broad recognition that cross-industry trade and development strategies should align with shared democratic values to support competitiveness, resilience, and the green transition.

Photos: Milimo Media

AmCham Board of Directors

Ketil

Chair

Ketil Nordengen

3M – Global Commercial Contracting Leader & Managing Director Norway

First Vice Chair

Trine Strømsnes

Cisco – Managing Director Norway, Denmark & Iceland

Lea

Second Vice Chair

Charlie Lea

KPMG – Partner

Liaison

Vidar Keyn

US Embassy – Commercial Section Director

Director

Christian Aho

Citi Norway – Country Officer & Head of Banking

Bech

Director

Hilde Bech

Bristol Myers Squibb Norway – General Manager

Director

Andreas Berg

Tailormade Consulting – Managing Director

Kristine-Beitland

Director

Kristine Beitland

Microsoft – Nordics Government Affairs Director

Director

Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl

Thommessen – Partner

Director

Birte Marie Horn-Hanssen

BI Norwegian Business School – Manager Societal Impact & External Research Relations

Director

Tom Huuse

Baker Hughes – Global Executive Account Director, Managing Director Norway 

Director

Per Hynne

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Norway – Head of Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability

Director

Andreea Mocofan

MSD Norway – Managing Director

Director

Thomas Vogth-Eriksen

DNV – Aquaculture Director

Director

Tech Talent Network Kicks Off 2025 at the Heart of Norwegian Democracy

AmCham News,

Tech Talent Network Kicks Off 2025 at the Heart of Norwegian Democracy

The first gathering of the Tech Talent Network in 2025 took place at the Storting (Norwegian Parliament), hosted by Member of Parliament Mahmoud Farahmand (H). Participants were warmly welcomed into the heart of Norwegian democracy and heard from two keynote speakers: Farahmand, who provided a deep dive into Norway’s political system, and Pål Arne Davidsen from Rud Pedersen Public Affairs, who offered insight into how EU policies are shaping Norway’s tech landscape.

Mahmoud Farahmand (H) and participants
Pål Arne Davidsen, Rud Pedersen

Inside Norwegian Policymaking

As a Member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, Farahmand introduced participants to the structure and inner workings of Norway’s political system, from policy development to legislative approval. He shared reflections on how political decisions are made and underscored the value of informed dialogue between policymakers and professionals; especially in rapidly evolving fields like technology.

Farahmand also led a discussion on the role of technology in tackling major societal shifts, such as declining birth rates and an aging population. He emphasized the need to strengthen digital competence and education across sectors to ensure Norway remains equipped to adapt and lead in an increasingly tech-driven world.

About the AmCham Tech Talent Network

TTN is a non-competitive arena for knowledge sharing, professional development, and expanding international market insights, currently open to select Patron-level technology industry member representatives. Exclusive quarterly sessions with industry leaders and external speakers create opportunities for collaboration and leadership development.

For further information and interest in the program, please contact Ragnhild.Dalen@amcham.no.

How Broad-Based Tariffs Put U.S. Growth, Prosperity at Risk 

Business News, Trade

The U.S. Chamber has encouraged the new Administration and Congress to prioritize the goal of achieving at least 3% economic growth annually and cementing in place policies that will support faster economic growth over the long term.

Getting these policies right is critical: Extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, advancing permitting reform, and reforming regulation are all critical.

So is trade. To achieve our nation’s growth goals, we need to sell more “Made in America” goods and services to the 95% of the world’s consumers who live outside our borders.

Read full article here.

Norway’s $8 billion Johan Castberg offshore development begins oil production

Business News, Energy

(Bloomberg) — Norway’s 86 billion kroner ($8.1 billion) Johan Castberg oil development in the Barents Sea has started pumping, the second major field to begin operations in the country’s Arctic waters.

The project, developed by Equinor ASA and partner Var Energi ASA, will reach peak production of about 220,000 barrels of oil a day, Equinor said in a statement on Monday. The cost of the development should be covered in less than two years, with the field’s productive lifetime expected to extend for 30 years.

Read full article here.

Sailing Through Uncertainty – Ståle Hansen, CEO, Skuld

Business News, Insurance, Shipping & Offshore

How do you navigate an ever-changing industry defined not only by evolving regulations and climate concerns but also by a relentless succession of geopolitical shockwaves? ‘With strong partners,’ says Ståle Hansen. Below, the Skuld CEO offers a steady appraisal of current challenges and opportunities, arguing that collaboration and trust can create stability in a seemingly unstable world.

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Liberty Specialty Markets Appoints Daniel Unstad As Head Of Nordics

Business News, Insurance

Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has announced the appointment of Daniel Unstad as head of Liberty Nordics, effective immediately. Based in Oslo, he will report to Roland Richter, Regional Executive & Sr. Vice President Head of Surety – EMEA and Rob Groenen, general manager, LSM Benelux & Nordics.

Unstad brings 25 years of insurance and surety experience to his new role and will be responsible for developing the strategic direction in the region. He will further oversee the development of a combined surety and insurance team and establish Oslo as LSM’s underwriting and distribution hub for the Nordic region.

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