Verrill Dana Partner Speaks on Future of the Arctic at 2018 Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland

(October 11, 2018) – Verrill Dana partner Benjamin Ford has been selected to discuss the future of the Arctic during two different panel discussions at the 2018 Arctic Circle Assembly, held in Iceland from October 19 to 21. Ford is one of only a handful of speakers from the Northeast United States.

During the first panel discussion entitled, "Port Cities Connected by the North Atlantic: Workshop on Logistics, Bioeconomy and Tourism," Ford will address technology transfer in bioeconomy. He will be joined by fellow panelists: Jarle Heitmann, Chairman, Port of Troms Norway: Connectivity Map; Nancy Healey, CEO, St. John's Board of Trade; Jon Nass, Deputy Chairman, Maine Port Authority; and session chair, Nils Arne Johnsen, Director Regional Business Development, Troms County Council.

Ford will discuss a new model for collaboration between industry and academia to create lasting and impactful change during the second panel discussion entitled, "Building Strategic Partnerships for a Healthier North." Ford will be joined by fellow panelists: Barry Costa Pierce, Executive Director of UNE NORTH and Henry L. & Grace Doherty Professor of Marine Sciences at the University of New England; and Inga Burton, University Engagement Manager, Universities, Education and Skills Team, Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

A member of Verrill Dana's North Atlantic & Arctic Group, Ford frequently authors articles and speaks on the economic opportunities and unique challenges of Arctic commerce, as well as the close ties between Maine and the region. He was also chosen to join the Arctic Economic Council (AEC) Maritime Transportation Working Group after being nominated by the Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO), the first AEC member from the United States' lower 48, due to his breadth of experience in both maritime and Arctic law.

In addition to hosting its own conferences on Maine and the Arctic, Verrill Dana was involved in the 2016 Arctic Council Meeting, the first held outside of the Arctic Circle and was recognized by the Maine International Trade Center as the 2017 Service Provider of the Year for its efforts in the North Atlantic.