“There are probably few places in the world with more ocean technology companies concentrated in such a small area,” said Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Manager at the Ocean Autonomy Cluster. He opened Monday’s After Sea event and welcomed more than 40 participants from the ocean technology, research and development communities in Trondheim.
The workshop marked the beginning of a broad industry involvement process, aimed at creating Norway’s most future-oriented environment for ocean innovation. Its purpose was to collect input from the ocean industry so that the needs of different stakeholders can be addressed in the best possible way.
Yngvild Bakken Furunes, Project Coordinator at Fremtidens Industri, presented two initiatives that already contribute to activity and identity in the area.
Frostabåten is a zero-emission mobility project that strengthens the connection between the region and Nyhavna, while Make Nyhavna Clean Again is an environmental initiative focusing on water monitoring, clean-up efforts and sustainability.
Ragnar Eggen, Project Manager at Nyhavna Utvikling, then provided an update on ongoing and upcoming projects in the area, including the new student building “Naustet,” which will give student communities an academic and social meeting place in the heart of the Nyhavna development area.
Birgitte Strøm Kahrs, Planning Manager at Nyhavna Utvikling, opened the workshop, which was facilitated by Kristin Braut from Rodeo Architects.
Braut presented the status and starting point for the development of the Bunkerkvartalet, explained the background for the work, and showcased examples and solutions from other cities. In addition to Braut, the team from Rodeo Architects includes Ida Cornelia Roos, Anna van der Zwaag and Ingrid Roalsø.
“Input from the industry is essential to ensure that the needs of different stakeholders are met. It is both useful and necessary to talk together early in the planning process,” said Kristin Braut.
A number of Ocean Autonomy Cluster member companies participated in the workshop, representing a wide variety of needs. Many actors depend on access to quays, floating docks and the sea for testing and developing maritime solutions, and today’s dock capacity is insufficient. There is also a need for cranes, facilities for launching and retrieving both large and small vessels, repair and maintenance facilities, onshore rigging areas for assembly, preparation and storage of equipment, as well as adequate access for vehicles on land.
During the workshop and group discussions led by Rodeo Architects, participants also explored what facilities modern ocean tech companies require, how shared spaces can best stimulate collaboration and testing, and how premises can be adapted to companies in different stages of growth.
Among the suggestions was the idea of an observation room with underwater windows to monitor underwater testing. Needs for workshops, testing facilities, flexible workspaces and good meeting arenas were recurring themes, and participants emphasized solutions that support both collaboration and individual operations.
The harbor basin at Nyhavna is an important test arena for ocean technology companies, with high levels of activity every day.
Several Ocean Autonomy Cluster member companies use the area for developing, testing and demonstrating new maritime solutions. This makes the harbor basin a valuable resource for innovation and collaboration, reinforcing the need for well-designed quays, floating docks, cranes, and facilities for launching and maintenance. Many highlighted the importance of maintaining — and not reducing — current capacity.
Nyhavna is emerging as one of Trondheim’s most important development areas, with ocean technology as a strategic focus. With its proximity to the sea, industry and leading research environments, the area has unique potential to become a national powerhouse for maritime and ocean-based innovation.
The After Sea event was organized in collaboration between Ocean Autonomy Cluster, Nyhavna Utvikling, Maritimt Forum Midt-Norge, FI Ocean Space Incubator and Testination, and marked the beginning of a broad partnership to shape the ocean innovation cluster of the future.
Input from the workshop is now being systematized and incorporated into the further development of the Bunkerkvartalet concept. More engagement activities are planned in the coming months.