As part of the Nordic Five Tech – Ocean Autonomy Tour, participants from the Nordic region’s leading technical universities had the opportunity to experience Trondheim’s leading position in autonomous maritime technology.
One of the many highlights of the full-day tour was the visit to Nyhavna, where the Ocean Autonomy Cluster and NTNU presented some of the most groundbreaking initiatives in autonomy and maritime innovation.
After a morning session at the new Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre at Tyholt, the group proceeded to Nyhavna to explore NTNU’s test and development facilities for autonomous systems. Here, participants got an insight into ongoing research projects such as SFI AutoShip, as well as a demonstration at the Shore Control Lab, where remotely operated and autonomous vessels are monitored and controlled in real time.
Associate Professor Morten Breivik guided the participants through the labs and explained how the research community at Nyhavna works closely with industry and public sector stakeholders to realize the future of autonomous shipping.
One of the day’s most compelling moments was the live demonstration of PROMETHEUS, a new prototype for teleoperation of autonomous ferries. Developed as part of the NTNU-led Autoteaming project, PROMETHEUS leverages 5G, real-time video, tactile feedback, and augmented decision support to enable remote, intuitive vessel control.
“This isn’t about replacing people,” Morten Breivik says. “It’s about designing seamless collaboration between humans and machines – in real time. We believe we’ve glimpsed something essential: autonomy that resonates with human intention and intuition.”
The team has begun exploring the idea of EPIC AID – Emotional Predictive Integrated Control – as a new paradigm for intuitive, responsive human–machine interaction.
Behind PROMETHEUS is a dedicated team led by PhD candidates Alexey Gusev and Andreas Gudahl Tufte, both part of the Autoteaming project at NTNU.
Alexey, who brings a strong technical background, has been responsible for the development of the user interface, system architecture, and integration with 5G communication.
Andreas has focused on the autonomy functionality and has also developed the intelligent control system that dynamically adapts to operator input in real time.
In addition, a group of skilled bachelor’s and master’s students have contributed significantly to the development and execution of the demonstration.
“We’re truly impressed by these guys and the team around them,” says project lead Morten Breivik. “They’ve delivered on a level that is both technically advanced and practically executable. Their efforts over the past few weeks have been crucial to making today’s demonstration possible.”
Breivik emphasizes that this is not about technology for its own sake:
– Solutions like this can ultimately make working at sea safer, reduce the need for staffing in hazardous areas, and offer more flexible transport options in cities and ports where autonomous ferries and ships are here to stay.
Both PhD candidates describe the development of PROMETHEUS as more than just a tech project.
– Our goal was never just to control the vessel remotely – it was to feel the vessel respond, in real time. And that’s exactly what we experienced at Nyhavna, said Alexey Gusev.
– Building Prometheus wasn’t just about engineering – it was about listening. To the system. To the environment. And to the people around it.
– I believe we’re closer than ever to autonomy that doesn't just act – but aligns.
Andreas Tufte added:
– Autoteaming is about trust – not replacement. The goal is to create systems that invite the human back into the loop, not push them out.
– This isn’t the future. This is happening now. And what we saw at Nyhavna is just the beginning.
– It felt like Prometheus came alive when it mattered. And when you’re surrounded by people who care – that’s when tech becomes more than tech.
Roberto Galeazzi, Professor at the Technical University of Denmark, commented on the visit: "It’s very impressive to see how fast Norway is moving in the development, implementation, and deployment of this technology. It is inspiring for us, as we are also looking in the same direction. We see many opportunities for joint Nordic partnerships that can strengthen development across regions."
Next, cluster manager Frode Halvorsen presented how the Ocean Autonomy Cluster is working to connect research environments, technology companies, and public actors to strengthen Norway's position as a leader in autonomous maritime technology.
– Trondheim has unique conditions for driving this development, both through NTNU, SINTEF, and the close collaboration with the private sector. Nyhavna has become a key hub for innovation and testing, said Halvorsen in his presentation.
Galeazzi also highlighted the importance of collaboration across institutions: "We are already collaborating with some of the environments here, and we see even greater potential to consolidate and harvest more of what this technology can offer – from ocean observation and environmental monitoring to civil security and defense."
The participants were representing universities from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Many expressed great interest in how Trondheim has managed to combine and connect resources in education, research, and industry in a comprehensive effort to push forward maritime technology.
Håvard Wibe, Senior Advisor at NTNU, said: "It’s important for us that professionals see what Trondheim has to offer. We hope this visit will increase interest in our research environments and perhaps help create more international contacts and activities."
The event concluded with a visit to Fjordlab, NTNU’s underwater technology testing facility in the Trondheim fjord – offering a final glimpse into the interdisciplinary and hands-on work that defines the region’s maritime technology initiative.
Nordic Five Tech is a strategic alliance established in 2006, consisting of the five leading technical universities in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden: Aalto University (Finland), Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), Technical University of Denmark (Denmark), KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden), and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway). The alliance was formed with the goal of leveraging complementary strengths to create synergies in education, research, and innovation.