The Aberdeen consulate for Norway is one of the busiest in the UK, according to Keith MacRae, partner at Mackinnons, and consul for Norway, Aberdeen, since 1994.
The consulate was set up to represent Norway’s interests and to assist Norwegians and Norwegian businesses in Aberdeen and the north-east.
It also provides general information to companies trading with Norway.
“Most businesses are connected in some way to the offshore and shipping sectors and many have been established here for many years,” said Mr MacRae.
“The dynamic nature of these industries means that business opportunities continue to arise and new businesses are set up.
“A recent example of the significance of Aberdeen as a market is the arrival last summer of one of Scandinavia’s leading banks, DnB NOR, to open an Aberdeen office.
“Another example of the importance of Aberdeen and the north-east to trade with Norway is the presence of a chapter of the Norwegian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC).
“For the consulate, our closest day-to-day involvement is with the shipping sector. We carry out maritime administration for the Norwegian Maritime Directorate and deal with the necessary documentation for foreign officers and seafarers signing on as crew on vessels registered in Norway as well as dealing with the formalities required when ships are entered on the Norwegian shipping registers.
“The consulate also takes part in cultural and social activities. Aberdeen is, of course, twinned with Stavanger and many events and initiatives take place between the two cities.
“Music and the arts also feature strongly. Musicians from Norway are frequent visitors to Aberdeen and this year’s Aberdeen Jazz Festival (March 14-18) will feature strong representation from Stavanger.
“There are close ties on personal, business and cultural levels and our two countries share many values.”
Aberdeen law firm Mackinnons specialises in shipping, offshore and fishing industry law. It was established in 1842 and has throughout its history had close connections with the port of Aberdeen and its shipping, fishing and offshore communities.
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