The radar is part of a framework agreement between Kongsberg Norcontrol and the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) to increase radar coverage on the Norwegian West Coast. The location of the radar is part of a new Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) called Kinn, ranging from Florø to Måløy, that will be operational in June 2021. As part of the agreement, there has currently been installed three radars in the area, with another two being installed later this year. After a radar is installed, Kongsberg Norcontrol continue to operate, maintain and do customer support for each site.
“We collaborate very well, and the Norwegian Coastal Administration is constantly pushing us to develop and deliver to the maximum. They also have broad technical, operational and maritime expertise that we benefit from,” says Eivind Solberg, Sales Manager at Kongsberg Norcontrol.
High performance in extreme conditions
The West Coast of Norway is challenging to monitor. The coastline is long, full of twists and turns, with intricate landscapes such as fjords and islets. Each radar site is carefully researched before being selected. Sometimes a site is so difficult to reach that a helicopter is needed in order to transport the different parts. The weather can also be a challenge, with strong winds and frequent storms creating extreme conditions. With that in mind, the Kongsberg Norcontrol team is constantly adapting to the challenging conditions, always delivering the best performance to our clients.
Designed for its environment
It is crucial for Kongsberg Norcontrol that the local area surrounding the radars does not become damaged in any way and that the environmental impact of the construction is minimal. We therefore make sure that any equipment is blending in with the natural surroundings. An example is the radar hut located next to the antenna, which usually is just a container. Instead of a container, we have covered each hut in durable wood-material, giving it a more natural feel. A lot of thought has gone into the design-specification of each radar site, making sure it looks its best.
Sustainable for the future
Each radar site is supposed to be as self-sufficient as possible, with the goal of one day becoming a zero-emission facility. We have installed solar panels which, on sunny days, will supply the installations with energy needed to maintain its operation. Together with the NCA, we continue to follow developments closely within in green technology, making sure that our products are always at the forefront of environmental solutions.
