Maritime Modernities and the Past and Present of Deep-Sea Mining

Maritime modernities is a research project that has investigated the history of oceanic knowledge and environmental awareness. Over four years, we have studied how records, maps and models have inscribed, arranged, and transported knowledges of the sea over the last 400 years. We welcome all to this public event that concludes the Maritime Modernities!

Program:

10.00-11.00: Coffee

11.00-13.00: Maps, records and models of the “maritime modernities”: How to write a new history of the oceans

Oceans and marine ecologies are increasingly facing threatening change. Simultaneously, maritime spaces are pushed as sources for future transitions, growth and prosperity. This duality should challenge the way maritime history is told. What kinds of ocean histories are written today?

Introduction by Gard Paulsen (University of Oslo)

Panel discussion: Gard Paulsen, Helen Rozwadowski (University of Connecticut), Henning Trüper (University of Oslo), Knut Ove Eliassen (NTNU, Trondheim)

13.00-14.00: Break. Lunch can be purchased at the National Library or at nearby cafes.

14.00-16.30: The past and present of deep-sea mining

The ocean floor is home to precious metals and minerals, which have been known for 150 years. As these materials are increasingly being conceived as critical for new technology, discussions about deep-sea mining have resurfaced. Norway is the first country in the world to open its continental shelf for industrial deep-sea mining. The decision has caused international controversy, is subject to a court case, and temporarily postponed.

What is at stake, historically, ecologically, legally, and politically?

Introductory lecture by Surabhi Ranganathan, Professor of International Law, University of Cambridge: “Blue Resources for the Green Transition: What is left out of the Frame?”

Panel discussion, moderated by Ellen Krefting (University of Oslo): Surabhi Ranganathan (University of Cambridge), Mats Ingulstad (NTNU, Trondheim), Kaja Lønne Fjærtoft (WWF) and Sverker Sörlin (KTH, Stockholm).

Illustration: «Distributions of deposits», map by L. Schmelck in «Den norske Nordhavs-expedition, 1876-1878», volume IX: 73.