Sister Cities Seattle and Bergen come together for One Ocean Week
- Lori Ann Reinhall
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Looking back on 200 years of organized Norwegian immigration to North America in the year 2025, from a historical perspective, the oceans may be seen as the vast waters that both divided and connected us. The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean on Earth and has impacted human history, from the Age of Exploration from the 15th to 17th century to the time of the Great Immigration of the 19th century, when so many Norwegians crossed over the seas in search of better life. The great ocean was a force to be reckoned with, the journeys long, dangerous, and uncertain.
Even today, with our global economy, the high seas are still a force to be reckoned with, as new challenges have emerged. But efforts are being undertaken to address these challenges, and the oceans are bringing Norway and the United States closer together in a significant, positive way — and the sister cities Seattle and Bergen are playing a major role
The week of April 5–11, a delegation from Seattle visited Bergen for One Ocean Week, an annual international event that focuses on promoting sustainable ocean practices and raising awareness about the ocean's role in the global ecosystem.
Following the unveiling of Seattle on the city signpost at the top of Mount Fløyen, the week-long celebration included lectures, seminars, workshops, meetings, and cultural activities. All this was aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the ocean. It is a collaboration between various stakeholders, including government, science, industry, and the broader public.
The Seattle delegation included representatives from Washington Maritime Blue, the City of Seattle, the Port of Seattle, the National Nordic Museum, and the Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association.
At the head of the delegation was Joshua Berger, president and CEO for Washington Maritime Blue, and City of Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss, whose constituency includes the Ballard neighborhood, historically home to many Norwegian immigrants.
We traveled to Bergen to learn, to collaborate, to celebrate, and to prepare for One Ocean Week in Seattle, which will take place this fall, Oct. 23–27.
One Ocean Week is part of the larger initiative of One Ocean Expedition, a 12-month voyage aboard the Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl. The 111-year-old three-masted barque is a training vessel owned and based in Bergen. The beautiful ship circumvented the globe in 2021-2023 to conduct research and raise awareness of the state of our oceans, and it will do again in 2025-2026.
Over the course of 12 months, the new ocean expedition will visit 27 ports across three continents, including Seattle in October for One Ocean Week on this side of the Atlantic. On this historic voyage, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl will pass through the Northwest Passage to conduct groundbreaking research.
Much of One Ocean Week in Bergen centered around the majestic tall ship, docked in port for the conference week before setting out on its voyage around the world. There were receptions, lunches, and dinners on the tall ship, with the opportunity to meet and mingle with the crew.
The week was packed with highlights from beginning to end. On the opening day of the conferene in the historic medieval Haakon’s Hall, his Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway addressed the attendees, professing his love for the ocean as well as his concern for its future.
The crown prince, who served n the Norwegian Royal Navy in Bergen, has been actively engaged in issues around ocean sustainability and the threat of rising sea levels. He underlined the importance of the youth attending the conference and was excited to see so many professionals engaged in issues close to his heart and critical to the future of Norway, a seafaring nation. He was optimistic about the new technologies being developed.
During the week, the Seattle delegation had the opportunity to learn about innovative maritime developments in Norway. This included a startup lab presentation and a reception on the Havila Pollux, one of the line’s next-generation cruise ships offering the most sustainable voyages along the Norwegian coast. Among other advancements, the ships’ state-of-the-art battery packs allow them to sail for four hours with zero emissions.
Notably, an entire session of the program organized by the Bergen Chamber of Commerce was devoted to the preparation and planning of One Ocean Week in Seattle this October. Interest was high, and a large delegation from Bergen and the rest of Norway is expected to attend.
Additionally, the Seattle delegation gained knowledge of other issues that affect both our cities, including waterfront development and addiction and substance abuse programs. There was also time to tour Bergen’s City Hall and to connect with local artists and performers. Many have visited Seattle in the past with collaborative sister-city projects and are looking to return for One Ocean Week in Seattle in the fall.
The week culminated as the Statsraad Lehmkuhl sailed away from Bergen and the conference attendees bid farewell to one another. A lot of knowledge had been exchanged during the week, and a lot of bonding had taken place. But in the end, it wasn’t goodbye for so long, as we look forward to welcoming our Norwegian friends and colleagues to One Ocean Week in Seattle this October.
