“For an oceanic nation such as Norway, it is important that ocean industries are made an even greater priority through the government’s ocean strategy,” says KONGSBERG's Even Aas.
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Ove Ronny HaraldsenGroup Communication Manager
“The ocean holds great potential for solving our greatest challenges; energy, food, climate and transportation are all key areas in which the ocean will play a major part in the future. These are also areas in which Norway can and should contribute,” says Even Aas, Group Executive Vice President Public Affairs of KONGSBERG.
The government presented its ocean strategy on Tuesday 21 February. The ocean strategy is the government’s plan for creating growth and more jobs within the Norwegian ocean industries. The OECD estimates that oceanic economies could more than double by 2030.
“ENABLING TECHNOLOGY”
The strategy includes several measures for further developing Norwegian ocean industries, and facilitating news ones to emerge,” explains Minister of Trade and Industry Monica Mæland (H).
“Norwegian technology will be a key factor when it comes to implementing the government’s ocean strategy. Norway is a leading maritime technology nation, and this enables us to build highly advanced vessels. We are in the midst of an accelerating technology shift involving robotisation, automation and digitalisation. Here Norway benefits from having much expertise within an area where we are already world-leading.
KNOWLEDGE, LEGISLATION AND INTERNATIONALISATION
“With this strategy, the government is looking to secure Norway’s position as one of the world’s leading oceanic nations. Which measures does the government consider to be the most important going forward?
“It is mainly about three things. Firstly, we need to gain knowledge about ocean resources and how this potential can be realised through technology. Secondly, we have framework conditions. We need legislation to be organised in a way that ensures new opportunities and that new species can be utilised. Thirdly, it is about internationalisation – Norway needs to be promoted as a maritime nation more than ever. Simply for the sake of attracting those who seek to invest, work, conduct research or trade with Norway, says Minister of Trade and Industry Monica Mæland (H).
“OUR INPUT HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT”
KONGSBERG has provided input for the government’s ocean strategy, and the group is very happy with what was presented on Tuesday 21 February.
“The importance of full scale test areas such as the Trondheim Fjord have been emphasised in the strategy, and we think this is a good example of how authorities can play an active, facilitating role in technology development. “We are also pleased to see that space technology, an area in which Norway is a significant player, is duly mentioned in the strategy,” says KONGSBERG’s Even Aas.
KONGSBERG, AN OCEAN SPACE COMPANY
Ocean space will be one of KONGSBERG’s key areas of commitment in the years to come.
Today, KONGSBERG delivers technology enabling mapping and utilisation of oil, gas and minerals below the seabed. In the water column, KONGSBERG supplies technology for sustainable fishing. On the sea surface, KONGSBERG supplies technology to ships using the ocean for transport, for offshore vessels and drilling rigs, for wind farms creating green energy, and for sustainable fishing.
Our space technology contributes to ocean space monitoring and utilising information technology resources. With regard to defence, KONGSBERG delivers systems that contribute to asserting dominion over resources found within the ocean space.
Technologies enabling autonomy, hydro acoustics, sensor technology, advanced data analysis and data processing are all areas which KONGSBERG believes will be central going forward. This will also strengthen our international positions and provide new opportunities for exporting technology,” explains Even Aas.
“Historically, Norway has built up technological positions within shipping, fishing and utilisation of ocean-based resources such as oil and gas. In order to maintain and secure these positions, we believe Norway has a strong potential for further developing existing technology. This is essential within areas where there is currently insufficient technology to achieve the goals that Norway and other nations have set regarding the ocean space,” concludes Even Aas.
