Nor-Shipping organisers have moved quickly to find a new slot for the event after it was postponed due to Covid-19 on Monday.
Executives at the marquee Norwegian shipping get-together have told partners the expo will now be held from 4 to 7 April, TradeWinds has learned.
The decision was made after feedback was gathered on Monday and after taking into account in-house availability for dates.
A statement will be issued later on Tuesday or on Wednesday.
The event had been due to take place from 10 to 13 January, after being pushed back from last June because of the pandemic.
But the spread of the new Omicron variant put paid to those dates.
Like many countries, Norway has been experiencing a spike in Covid-19 cases, with 3,622 new infections recorded on Sunday. The government brought in measures aimed at reducing the impact of the Omicron variant, including more stringent social distancing.
A fluid situation
On Monday, Nor-Shipping director Sidsel Norvik had said: "In a very fluid pandemic situation, with rapidly rising infection rates here in Norway and elsewhere, we believe the time has come to postpone our January programme and try and create some clarity for our exhibitors and participants."
The management team immediately began working with stakeholders to decide on the best way forward.
Norvik said the time had come to make "a responsible decision", even though current national restrictions allow for large-scale exhibitions.
"Our job is to serve and support this great business community, and we’re committed to doing so in a safe, responsible and considered manner," she added.
TradeWinds reported that robust discussions had been held for days about how to proceed, with some pushing for postponement or cancellation, and others vowing to press ahead despite the worsening situation.
The postponement is a lose-lose situation for the conference organiser and attendees. One major exhibitor said it is likely to lose thousands in sunk costs such as printing materials and preparation of its stand.
Former NATO secretary general and former Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen; former Norwegian prime minister Erna Solberg; and International Maritime Organization secretary general Kitack Lim were among those due to speak next month.
