French shipbuilding steams ahead to Oslo for Nor-Shipping

UBIFRANCE, the French Agency for International Development, will present a dozen innovative French companies on the French Pavilion at the Nor-Shipping trade show, which will take place in Oslo (Norway) from 24 to 27 May 2011.

The biennial Nor-Shipping exhibition is a leading trade show for the shipbuilding, ship-repair and shipping industries.

The event acts as a gateway to Norwegian ship owners, who control the world's fifth largest commercial fleet. Nor-Shipping is also the major event for naval-equipment manufacturers and shipyards in Europe. In 2009, the event drew nearly 16,000 visitors and 1,100 exhibitors from 52 countries, with 22 national pavilions representing the world's main shipping industries.

This year, French industry will be represented by a dozen companies and high-tech clusters in the sector. Their technologies and expertise cover a broad range of maritime equipment and services, covering areas such as construction, propulsion, electronic systems and communication. The French Pavilion, which will be located in Hall D, will be a magnet for companies wishing to establish contacts with professionals from around the world.

The following French companies will be available to meet visitors on the French Pavilion in Hall D of the trade show: BPN-Bretagne Pôle Naval/SEA to SEA (a grouping of companies involved in the shipbuilding industry in Brittany, in western France), Eutelsat (a satellite operator), GICAN (a group of naval companies), JEUMONT Electric (a specialist in electrical equipment), MASSON MARINE (an expert in marine-propulsion systems), Orange (a telecommunications operator), Saft (a manufacturer of high-tech batteries), STX Lorient (a recognised player in shipbuilding), and Zodiac SOLAS (a specialist in evacuation systems and life rafts).

About UBIFRANCE
UBIFRANCE is the French Agency for International Business Development, and is part of France’s export-support framework.

As the partner of reference for French companies wishing to export, UBIFRANCE offers a complete range of services based on the provision of information about export markets, about legal issues and regulations, and about international finance and tenders, while also supplying sectorial data. In addition, UBIFRANCE offers expert advice and targeted support to companies’ commercial activities, such as exploratory visits, partnership meetings, foreign exhibitions and international press communication. Finally, UBIFRANCE runs the International Postgraduate Programme (VIE) for employing qualified personnel and young graduates outside France.

UBIFRANCE is in charge of the French Pavilion (Hall D) at Nor-Shipping, which will take place from 24 to 27 May 2011 in Oslo (Norway).

For further information about Nor-Shipping, please go to : http://messe.no/en/ntf/Projects/Nor-Shipping/

For further information about UBIFRANCE, please go to: www.ubifrance.com/uk/

For further information, please contact :

Quote ref. : FTPB3579
Ms Mary-Ann WILLIAMS – Press Officer
UBIFRANCE Press Office in London
Tel: +44 (0) 207 024 3640
mary-ann.williams@ubifrance.fr