What does it take to revolutionize autonomous maritime transport? Croatia and Norway are collaborating to unlock answers.
Ocean Autonomy Cluster (OAC) recently welcomed a Croatian delegation to Norway as part of the Adriatic Green Autonomous Transport Initiative (AGATI). The visit, organized in collaboration with DIH InnovaMare and supported by EEA and Norway Grants, focused on fostering cooperation and innovation in autonomous maritime transport. The initiative builds on the partnership established through the MATIN project.
The delegation, which included representatives from the Croatian Directorate for Maritime Safety, the Croatian Register of Shipping, the Port Authority of Rijeka, and DIH InnovaMare, gained valuable insights into Norway’s advanced maritime ecosystem. The program featured visits to several leading innovation hubs and maritime companies, showcasing Norway’s cutting-edge work in autonomy.
The delegation gained unique perspectives through visits to key players in autonomous technology and maritime innovation. At Torghatten’s electric ferry operating on the Rørvik–Flakk route, they learned about its electric propulsion system and plans for implementing autonomous technology.
At SINTEF Ocean's Robotics Lab, Maritime Robotics, and Blueye Robotics, they were introduced to advanced autonomous systems designed for surface and underwater operations. The group also visited Zeabuz, a company revolutionizing urban mobility with autonomous ferries.
A visit to NTNU’s Shore Control Lab provided insights into its research and development efforts focused on control systems for autonomous ships and fleets. The lab develops and tests technology for managing and monitoring autonomous vessels from land-based control centers, aiming to ensure efficient and safe operations across various maritime scenarios, including navigation, interaction with other vessels, and handling complex real-time situations.
“The overarching goal of both the visit and the AGATI project is to advance autonomous maritime transport in the Adriatic,” said Mateo Ivanac from DIH InnovaMare. “To achieve this, progress is needed in research, technology development, legislation, and societal adaptation. Strong networks and collaboration are essential to succeed,” he explained.
Ivanac also highlighted the importance of timing.
“By 2025, autonomous transport will explode. Even if we’re not leading the development, we must actively contribute to shaping it,” he added.
Darko Dominović from the Croatian Register of Shipping emphasized the challenges and opportunities for regulatory bodies.
“Our role is to ensure the safe integration of new technology. This visit has been crucial for understanding how autonomy can benefit not just specialized vessels but also conventional ships for freight, passenger transport, and research,” Dominović said.
Ocean Autonomy Cluster plays a pivotal role in developing future autonomous solutions, including unique test facilities such as Testination and the regulated Trondheim Fjord testing area for autonomous vessels. The cluster connects research, education, industry, and end users, driving the transition to a more autonomous future.
Frode Halvorsen, head of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster, addressed a common misconception about autonomy:
“It’s important to clarify that autonomy doesn’t mean unmanned. Autonomy is used for navigation, maneuvering, collision avoidance, system monitoring, search and rescue, and enhanced situational awareness, even on crewed vessels,” Halvorsen explained.
He also emphasized the cluster’s role in fostering innovation:
“OAC serves as a bridge between research, industry, and end users. Our initiatives, such as Testination and Test Arena Trondheimsfjord, are critical in shaping the future of autonomous operations,” he said.
This also applies to the FAST project, which aims to transport salmon autonomously, and the FlexFerry project, which seeks to create an autonomous and unmanned "trailer" to expand capacity in the existing ferry network. The MIDAS initiative (Humans in Future Ocean Operations) researches how humans and machines can collaborate in autonomous operations. Additionally, the cluster offers an incubator supporting innovation and growth for startups.
“In close collaboration with other clusters, OAC is also part of the ESA BIC program,” Halvorsen added.
The European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) is a program initiated by the European Space Agency to support startups that aim to use space technology, data, or expertise to develop innovative products and services on Earth.
The defense and security sector is a crucial driver for developing autonomous technology, both militarily and civically. This includes areas such as surveillance, border control, environmental monitoring, combating illegal fishing, Arctic search and rescue, and solutions for humanitarian efforts, fishing, and agriculture.
“Several of OAC’s member companies have experienced significant growth in this area over the past few years. Companies such as Skarv, Blueye Robotics, WaterLinked, and Maritime Robotics have gradually shifted their focus from aquaculture to providing solutions for the defense and security sector,” Halvorsen said.
OAC is also involved in several groundbreaking projects. The SMART project is developing autonomous solutions for safe and efficient salmon transport, while the FlexFerry project focuses on creating an autonomous, unmanned "trailer" to increase capacity within existing ferry networks. Additionally, draft guidelines for the use of small uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) in Norway are underway, with a planned release in June.
“With our broad approach and active collaboration, Ocean Autonomy Cluster is a catalyst for shaping the future maritime industry and bringing autonomous technology from vision to reality,” Halvorsen concluded.
Ocean Autonomy Cluster also worcs in close cooperation with MIDSEC Defence and Security Cluster.
Nils Haktor Bua from the Norwegian Maritime Authority also emphasized the importance of testing facilities.
"Test Arena Trondheimsfjord, the world’s first test area for autonomous ships. The opportunities here are crucial for integrating innovation into regulations", he said.
Kay Endre Fjørtoft, senior researcher at SINTEF, highlighted collaboration as a key to success.
"Close connections between research environments, industry, and clusters like OAC are vital for developing and implementing autonomous technologies", says Fjørtoft.
Many of the companies stem from research environments at NTNU.
"It’s not primarily a top-down plan, but the sum of the passionate engagement from many dedicated individuals that has driven our success in creating the unique expertise in maritime autonomy in Trondheim and at Nyhavna", says Associate Professor Morten Breivik from the Department of Engineering Cybernetics at NTNU.
The Croatian delegation also focused on the regulatory aspects of autonomy. Niko Hrdalo from the Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs shared his vision.
"We want to ensure that Croatian innovation environments and the industry keep pace with the global development of autonomous shipping. Norway's approach to administrative and technological challenges provides invaluable insights."
Ivanac concluded by emphasizing the potential for collaboration.
"The potential for cooperation between Croatia and Norway is immense. Our shared commitment to autonomy can drive innovation and sustainability across the maritime sector", Hrdalo says.
The AGATI initiative highlights the importance of collaboration in navigating the challenges and opportunities within autonomous maritime transport. With Norway’s expertise and Croatia’s ambitious goals, this partnership is well-positioned to shape the future of global maritime autonomy.
AGATI – Adriatic Green Autonomous Transport Initiative
Mateo Ivanac
CEO Innovamare, Croatia
Željka Rajković
Chief Operating Officer, Innovamare Croatia
Frode Halvorsen
Cluster Manager at Ocean Autonomy Cluster, Norway
Linda Hald
Senior EU Advisor, Ocean Space, Norway
Lars Bugge Aarset
Communications advisor, Ocean Autonomy Cluster, Norway