The Explorer of the Sea

Collecting knowledge about the ocean

Kongsberg Discovery develops world-leading technology to increase knowledge about the ocean space. Technology is essential for the sustainable management of marine resources, the monitoring of climate change, and the protection of critical infrastructure as well as national security.

April 2025

Interview with Martin Wien Fjell, EVP KONGSBERG and President Kongsberg Discovery. Article first published in Annual Report 2024.

Q: What is the most important contribution of Kongsberg Discovery?

A: In a time when climate and environmental changes threaten both people, animals, and ecosystems, it is crucial to have good data. This provides us with the necessary information to make the right decisions for the future. The technology we develop offers clear insights and essential information about the ocean space. Our technology also contributes to increased security. Protection of critical infrastructure is essential to maintain, among other things, energy and communication connections. We develop technology that protects the entire ocean space, from drone detection in the air to deep autonomous underwater vehicles that can move down to 6,000 meters below the ocean surface.

"Kongsberg Discovery has systems and products that can operate either independently or in conjunction with other technology to provide the best and most comprehensive picture possible."

Q: What is the biggest highlight of the year?

A: In 2024, Kongsberg Discovery was awarded a contract with the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for the U.S. Navy's Large Diameter Unmanned Underwater Vehicle program. The contract allows the U.S. Navy to acquire equipment, training, and support to test and evaluate new autonomous underwater vehicles.

The agreement gives us the opportunity to enter a new, large market with enormous potential and increases visibility around our autonomous underwater robots. The contract with the Brazilian company Corcovado Geosub Ltda is also important. The company performs advanced seabed monitoring and is among the largest players in mapping changes on the seabed. We provide a system designed to be deployed at approximately 3,000 meters depth to monitor microscopic changes in seabed elevation and observe the seabed during oil and gas production. These systems can also be used elsewhere.

In 2024, we delivered our first drone detection systems. Here,we use radar technology to detect and identify small objects in the air. By using AI, we can classify objects based on a library of signatures, and in this way distinguish between different types, as well as distinguish drones from other objects.

Kongsberg Discovery participates in discussions and working groups with leading experts in quantum technology and challenges Norwegian authorities to take a more proactive stance on investing in the field. We believe that quantum technology can revolutionise performance in sensor technology and aim to be well-positioned to adopt the technology when it is sufficiently developed. The business area also plays central roles in several working groups on ocean monitoring and participates in several international research projects. I consider it a great honour that we are invited to participate, both because it is a recognition of the contributions KONGSBERG has made over the years, and because it strengthens our solid position within technology environments both in Norway and internationally.

Q: What are the biggest opportunities ahead?

A: For us, it's not just about an opportunity. We have high ambitions and strong belief that the future will bring both growth and change for our business. We have a solid technology platform that we have developed over many decades and use to create world-leading products.

This has allowed us to gain new market shares in both the USA and several EU countries throughout 2024. We are growing in both existing and new markets. This demands a lot from our organisation, and we continue to facilitate further growth.

Our products help solve challenges related to both sustainability and safety. These are two market drivers that will be very important in the coming years.