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How can autonomous operations become smarter and more cost-effective? This was the topic when Ocean Autonomy Cluster hosted "AfterSea with TrønderROC" on 22 September at Trondheim Maritime Center.

The event showcased concrete plans and projects related to Remote Operation Centers (ROC) – a technology expected to play a key role in the future of maritime operations.

ROC as a strategic area

Frode Halvorsen from Ocean Autonomy Cluster and Testination highlighted ROC as one of the most important areas moving forward, and invited all interested actors to contribute to the development of solutions that can make offshore operations more flexible and cost-efficient.

Frode Halvorsen, Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

NTNU course in ROC design

Ole Andreas Alsos from NTNU Shore Control Lab (SCL) presented ongoing projects and introduced the course Design of Remote Operation Centers for Autonomous and Remotely Operated Systems, which will start in spring 2026.

– Development is happening fast. Humans and machines working together is the best combination, Alsos said.

Read more about the course at NTNU – the course is part of the MIDAS Academy.

Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Mobile ROC under development

Eirik Hovstein from Maritime Robotics shared plans to build a mobile, container-based ROC that can operate for extended periods – partially funded by Testination.

– We are creating a mobile, container-based operation center that can run for long periods, Hovstein explained.

Eirik Hovstein, Maritime Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

An important step on the autonomy ladder

ROC represents a crucial step toward more autonomy. Even in its current form, such centers can contribute to more efficient, safe, and scalable operations for industry, research, and management.

Collaboration for knowledge and innovation

The event was organized by Ocean Autonomy Cluster in collaboration with NTNU Shore Control Lab, FI Ocean Space Incubator, and Maritime Forum Mid-Norway. Participants included both research environments and industry actors keen to help advance the next generation of maritime operations.

Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri