Daniel Garden, CEO of GCE Blue Maritime Cluster, is channelling his energy into the Ålesund-based platform, says an article published in Ship Management International.
Municipality as a regional business
Garden is a native of rsta, a little town set among the steep Sunnmore Alps at the mouth of the same-named fjord.
Before acquiring the Cluster CEO role in 2021, he served as the general manager of the Ulstein Economic Forum, promoting the municipality as a regional business centre.
Enhancing innovation
GCE Blue Maritime Cluster has already developed its New Blue Deal (NBD) plan, which includes 200 member companies with combined annual revenues of NOK 50 billion (EUR 5 billion).
“What really grabbed me was taking that initiative and making it fly,” says Garden, “revitalising the cluster in terms of reach and enhancing innovation to achieve carbon-neutral shipping by 2030.”
Commitment of entire base
“Now in our 16th year we’re more mature internationally, which requires even stronger commitment from our entire base,” he continues.
“We are urging all maritime companies to renew their link to the cluster under new requirements set out by the NIC.”
Sign a new cluster contract
“The NIC will pay 50 percent of costs against 40 percent of hours paid by members themselves and a 10 percent financial share. This requires members and partners to re-register and sign a new cluster contract. New participants are also very welcome. Our harmonized activities will ensure we remain a global centre of excellence focused on the green transition, increasing exports and R&D. It’s a win-win solution for everyone.”
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Source: Ship Management International
