A newly-formed Norwegian Maritime AI Centre is to receive a total of NOK 100m from the Research Council of Norway over five years and is planned to start up in the beginning of 2026.
The Norwegian Maritime AI Centre has been granted the status of a national research centre for applied artificial intelligence (AI) in the maritime sector. The centre will be led by NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) and will develop technology and increase innovation for maritime actors through increased use of artificial intelligence. The research will focus on developing technologies and applications that can reduce the environmental footprint as well as increasing operability and safety of ship operations.
Partners in the centre include:
- From research: University of Oslo, Oslo School of Architecture and Design, Norwegian Defence University College, Sintef Nordvest, Norwegian Meteorological Institute, Norwegian Mapping Authority.
- From industry: Vard Group, Kongsberg Gruppen, Equinor, DNV, Brunvoll, Dipai, Ulstein International, Corvus Energy, Astrup Fearnley Code, Susteni, Breeze Ship Design, Osc, Inmarsat Solutions, Remota, Havila Holding, Reach Subsea, Tärntank Ship Management, Klaveness, Utkilen, Vake, Electronic Chart Centre.
- Others: Fremtidens Industri, Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Norwegian Maritime Authority, Åkp, Norwegian Coastal Administration, Maritime Forum Central Norway, Maritime Cleantech, Sustainable Energy, Testination, Norwegian Seamen’s Association, Navy, Norwegian Armed Forces Operational Headquarters.
Vard VP Research and Innovation Håvard Vollset Lien said: “Being a part of the AI centre is highly relevant to Vard, as it encompasses topics and challenges that are core business for the group, and offers opportunities to work together with our competitors, our customers and research institutions to find solutions for todays and tomorrow’s challenges. This topic is highly relevant for Vard’s ships and products, but it also requires us to work more closely together with our IT and cyber departments than before.”
Vard’s contribution to the centre will include:
- Providing technical and business support as required
- Following the development of the project by active participation of employees in project meetings and workshops in the use cases provided
- Providing results of independent studies related to subjects of interest
- Providing financial support
Image: Vard is playing a leading role in Norway’s new Maritime AI centre (source: Vard Group)
