Cleaves Securities has called off its 2020 seminar due to the coronavirus outbreak in Norway.
The cancellation means the event, which was scheduled for 10 March in Oslo, is the latest shipping-related gathering to take a blow from the Covid-19 fallout.
The day was to have featured a shipping discussion led by head of research Joakim Hannisdahl, as well as an oil and gas session chaired by Rystad Energy analyst Louise Dickson, followed by a tapas and drinks reception.
"We regret to inform you that the Cleaves Seminar 2020 scheduled for March 10th will be cancelled, due to the recent increase of coronavirus outbreaks in Norway," Cleaves said on Wednesday.
"We are following recommendations to take the necessary precautions to prevent its spread. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and hope to invite you to a shipping and energy seminar later this year."
Cases growing in Norway
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health confirmed on Tuesday that another eight people had tested positive for coronavirus.
None of them were seriously ill or had been admitted to hospital. In total, 33 people are infected in Norway.
Of the eight new cases, three are from Viken, one is from Troms and Finnmark, three are from Vestland and one is from Agder.
Seven cases are linked to the outbreak in northern Italy and one case is connected to the outbreak at Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval.
The patients are isolated at home.
Shipping schedule devastated
The virus is laying waste to shipping events worldwide.
This week, another major Singapore maritime-related conference fell victim to Covid-19.
Singapore Iron Ore Week had been due to take place between 18 and 21 May.
Last week the Maritime Port Authority (MPA) postponed Singapore Maritime Week, which was scheduled for the end of April.
Separately, Marine Money has been forced to reschedule its conference in Dubai, which was due to be held next week, to late November 2020.
And the 20th annual Transpacific Maritime (TPM) conference was cancelled in the US.
The event, which had been scheduled to be held in Long Beach on 1 to 4 March, marks the biggest cancellation of an international shipping event outside of Asia due to the outbreak.
