Our Way 1
EXTERNAL VOICES TEXT SOFIA LUNDGREN PHOTO KRISTIA
N POHL/REGERINGSKANSLIET, ICS, AAPA, CREO VOICES ON OCEANBIRD Groundbreaking, inspiring and a first-class initiative – since Oceanbird’s launch, many have been amazed. TOMAS ENEROTH Swedish Minister for Infrastructure “I see Oceanbird as a first-class initiative; the entire transport sector has to change if we are to achieve the climate goals. The main focus is of course road traffic, which is largely being electrified, but shipping also needs to change, to become fossil-free. “As Minister for Infrastructure I have prioritized support for shipping, partly by switching more freight to this sector, but also by making it more competitive. The shipping sector’s own efforts to reduce climate impact are vitally important – this makes Oceanbird so innovative and exciting, and shows that Wallenius Marine and other stakeholders, including ports and shipping companies, are really making a contribution. “Just a few years ago, I chose to double the innovation grants – the Oceanbird initiative is part of this investment to support domestic innovation, of which there is a long tradition in Swedish shipping. If Sweden can become what I call a ‘permanent world exhibition’ we can show the rest of the world that it is possible to change. I would like to see more initiatives such as Oceanbird in Sweden.” PER BOLUND Swedish Minister for Financial Markets “It´s incredibly inspiring to see such transformative ideas emerging now, which can have a huge impact on reducing emissions from the transport sector. Not least when it comes to international freight transport, where so far, good ideas have been lacking. “In Sweden, we have set extremely ambitious goals to become the world’s first fossil-free welfare state. And we really do mean fossil-free. All emissions must come to a halt. We know that emissions from the transport sector are significant and must be reduced, both on land and at sea. “Therefore, we need people working with technology to be as creative as possible to supply us with renewable energy and sustainable transport. I think this – Oceanbird – is a prime example of this. “I want to see an armada of sailing vessels transporting goods in the future and I think Oceanbird really is a timely concept. I am convinced that there will be many who want to build these ships, and many who want to transport their goods on them.” 18 OUR WAY