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Norwegian Customs Authority deploys underwater drones from Blueye Robotics for vessel inspections

Written by Lars Bugge Aarset | Aug 19, 2025 7:51:33 AM

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Blueye Robotics has been awarded the contract to deliver underwater drones to the Norwegian Customs. The contract marks a new chapter in the agency’s efforts to strengthen its inspection capabilities below the waterline, with the aim of conducting safer, more efficient, and more thorough inspections of vessels arriving in Norway by sea.

The Norwegian Customs uses ROV technology as a central part of its targeted and random inspections in Norwegian ports. The new ROVs from Blueye Robotics will be used to carry out visual inspections of ship hulls – in particular, commercial vessels ranging from 30 to 350 meters in length. Inspections will be conducted either from the quay in industrial ports or from smaller boats positioned alongside the vessel.

Christian Gabrielsen, CEO of Blueye Robotics, commented:

We are proud to be chosen as the supplier to the Norwegian Customs in their work to modernize and streamline underwater inspections. This is a clear testament that Blueye ROVs meets the high standards for operational flexibility, reliability, and ease of use in demanding environments. At the same time, it reinforces our role as a provider of mission-critical technology. - Christian Gabrielsen, CEO of Blueye Robotics 


Christian Gabrielsen, Blueye Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens industri

Blueye ROVs are robust, portable, and modular systems developed for professional use across both public and private sectors. Weighing only 9 kg, with a battery life of up to 5 hours and the ability to be deployed quickly and easily in the field, the system is ideally suited for mobile inspection operations. The ROVs can be operated from shore or from a boat, providing operators with real-time vision below the surface and the ability to document inspections via the Blueye App.

In addition to the delivery, Blueye Robotics will provide training and access to a comprehensive digital support system containing technical documentation and training materials.

Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens industri

Blueye Robotics

Blueye Robotics is a Norwegian technology company headquartered in Trondheim, with roots in the Centre for Autonomous Marine Operations and Systems (AMOS) at NTNU. Since 2015, the company has delivered more than 1,300 ROV systems to users in over 60 countries in the defense, emergency response, research, and industrial sectors.