NEW ORLEANS — The World Trade Center New Orleans (WTCNO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Government’s primary instrument for supporting innovation, industry development and international business growth.
The agreement establishes a strategic partnership to expand cooperation in clean technology, maritime innovation, workforce readiness, and global trade opportunities between Louisiana and Norway.
“Innovation is a global language, and Norway has long been a leader in maritime technology and clean energy,” said Harrison Crabtree, Executive Director of the World Trade Center New Orleans. “This agreement strengthens the bridge between Louisiana and Norway, creating new pathways for our companies, our ports, and our workforce. It positions both regions to lead in the Blue Economy and in the emerging industries shaping the future.”
Innovation Norway, owned by Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and the nation’s county authorities, supports entrepreneurs and enterprises across the country and plays a central role in accelerating clean technology and sustainable economic development.
3-Year Framework
The partnership establishes a three-year framework to advance shared goals in innovation, maritime leadership, and international trade. Areas of cooperation include:
- Clean and green technology collaboration in transportation, logistics, energy generation, and other emerging sectors within the maritime and port infrastructure space
- Exchange of commercial, regulatory, and market information to support business development in both regions
- Promotion of trade, investment, and workforce initiatives including business roundtables, trade missions, and best-practice sharing between Louisiana and Norway
Deliverables
The MOU outlines a sequenced set of deliverables that deepen engagement over time:
- Industry Roundtables (Years 1–3) – Facilitating dialogue between maritime companies in Louisiana and Norway to share insights on policy, investment, and innovation within port infrastructure, logistics, and related industries
- Workforce Readiness Exchange (Year 2) – Virtual convenings between employers and workforce training providers to identify shared challenges and develop strategies to address critical skills gaps in the maritime sector
- Trade Missions (Year 3) – Coordinated missions aligned with the WorkBoat Show and Nor-Shipping, using insights from the first two years to support targeted business matchmaking and sector growth
“As global trade becomes more unpredictable and marked by rising tensions, international cooperation is more important than ever,” said Kathrine Langjord, Commercial Counsellor, Houston, of Innovation Norway. “The agreement between World Trade Center New Orleans and Innovation Norway exemplifies how we can forge closer ties between Norway and Louisiana. We look forward to a long-term collaboration on information exchange, joint business opportunities, and mutual investments—particularly in port infrastructure, logistics, and other maritime domains.”
Louisiana and Norway have longstanding commercial ties rooted in energy, shipping, and port operations. The new partnership expands these ties into fast-growing sectors including clean tech, logistics innovation, and sustainable maritime solutions.
The agreement lays the groundwork for expanded cooperation in the years ahead, fostering ties between industry, academia, and government. By deepening collaboration across the Blue Economy and strengthening international market access, Louisiana and Norway are setting the stage for sustained economic growth and shared innovation.
About World Trade Center New Orleans
The World Trade Center of New Orleans’ mission is to support, promote, and attract international trade and businesses for the benefit of Louisiana. The ultimate indication of success will be the presence of a vigorous and growing international business community, supporting Louisiana’s status as the “gateway to North America.”
About Innovation Norway
Innovation Norway is the Norwegian Government’s key instrument for innovation and industrial development, supporting entrepreneurs and enterprises with programs that foster profitable, sustainable growth throughout the country. Its mission is to create more successful entrepreneurs, strengthen business capacity, and develop innovative business clusters.