Les saken på norsk Europe’s leading environments for ocean technology and drone innovation are joining forces through the launch of EUROCEAN, a new European network initiated by Ocean Autonomy Cluster (Norway) together with DronePort Rotterdam (The Netherlands), The Intelligent Transportation Systems Lab - Smart Move (Greece), and Innovamare (Croatia). The initiative marks a new stage in European collaboration aimed at strengthening the continent’s position in ocean autonomy, testing, and commercialization. EUROCEAN builds on several years of partnership between the founding organizations. Its goal is to connect test arenas and innovation ecosystems across Europe, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to access pilot customers, investors, and shared infrastructure. The network will also work to align regulatory frameworks and develop common standards for autonomous and remotely operated systems at sea. - Europe can’t afford fragmented innovation in critical ocean technologies, says Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Manager at Ocean Autonomy Cluster. -EUROCEAN is about connecting our test facilities, aligning our approaches, and helping new technologies reach the market faster. Bjørn Damhaug, CEO of Fremtidens Industri (FI), Norway’s leading organization for cluster management and innovation ecosystems, and the parent organization of Ocean Autonomy Cluster, says EUROCEAN represents an important step in connecting Europe’s strongest maritime regions. - This is about linking innovation ecosystems, not research silos. From Trondheim to Rotterdam and the Adriatic, we’re turning Europe’s maritime competence into commercial strength. Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Manager at Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Building resilience through European cooperation Each partner contributes unique strengths to the collaboration. In Norway, Ocean Autonomy Cluster anchors the initiative in Trondheim, a global hub for ocean technology and home to NTNU, SINTEF, and the Testination test arena. DronePort Rotterdam brings expertise from Europe’s largest port and advanced infrastructure for aerial and maritime drone testing. Aegean University adds deep academic knowledge in marine systems engineering and autonomous operations, while Innovamare connects a vibrant network of Blue Economy innovators and maritime SMEs in the Adriatic region. The establishment of EUROCEAN comes at a time when ocean technologies are increasingly linked to Europe’s strategic resilience, from protecting subsea infrastructure to securing sustainable energy supply and logistics. In line with the EU’s Blue Economy and Digital Europe strategies, EUROCEAN contributes to Europe’s goals for resilience, sustainable ocean management, and technological sovereignty. The partners see the network as a practical response to these priorities, ensuring that technological innovation supports both civilian and dual-use applications. - There is enormous potential in connecting Europe’s test arenas and technology hubs,” says Halvorsen. “We have complementary strengths and together we can accelerate innovation that benefits both industry and society. Bjørn Damhaug, CEO of Fremtidens Industri Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri From collaboration to coordinated impact The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing EUROCEAN is now being signed, marking the beginning of coordinated efforts to strengthen testing standards, regulatory frameworks, and access to capital for emerging ocean-technology companies. Several additional organizations across Europe have already expressed interest in joining, underlining a shared recognition of the need for collaboration in maritime autonomy. EUROCEAN reflects a broader shift in Europe’s approach to innovation, one that connects technology, commercialization, and resilience. By bringing together expertise from leading regions, the network aims to strengthen Europe’s ability to develop, test, and deploy the next generation of ocean technologies. -EUROCEAN represents a step toward European technological sovereignty at sea, says Halvorsen. - It’s about building a more connected, competitive, and sustainable framework for ocean innovation. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri About EUROCEAN partners Ocean Autonomy Cluster (Norway): Norway’s leading cluster for ocean autonomy and maritime robotics, part of Fremtidens Industri (FI). DronePort Rotterdam (Netherlands): European centre for autonomous and uncrewed systems across space, air, land, water, and subsea domains. Located in Europe’s largest port, DronePort connects partners to develop and scale dual-use technologies that enhance operational resilience, and strengthen Europe’s strategic and digital autonomy. Aegean University (Greece): Academic leader in maritime systems, robotics, and engineering education. Innovamare (Croatia): Blue Economy cluster fostering collaboration and entrepreneurship among maritime SMEs and technology developers in the Adriatic.
In January 2025, Rijeka welcomed a Norwegian delegation as part of the AGATI – Adriatic Green Autonomous Transport Initiative. Organized by DIH Innovamare and the Ocean Autonomy Cluster, this study visit aimed to strengthen partnerships, exchange knowledge, and explore opportunities in the field of autonomous and sustainable transport technologies. Over the course of five days, representatives from Croatia and Norway engaged in discussions, expert-led conferences, and site visits, focusing on advancing maritime automation and fostering international cooperation in the blue and green sectors. Read full story
Les saken på norsk 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. Exploring Norway’s Innovation in Maritime 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. Presentation of electric propulsion and future plans for autonomy at Flakk-Rørvik. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster 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. Petter Sjursen demonstrating ROV from Blueye Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Autonomous transport will skyrocket “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, Croatian Ship Registry. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster 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. A Bridge Between Research, Industry, and End Users 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. Levi Jamt, lead developer human machine teaming in Zeabuz. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Defense and Security as Key Drivers 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. Sondre Sandvik presenting innovative autonomy from Maritime Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Groundbreaking Regulatory Frameworks and Passionate Engagement 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. Researcher Erik Veitch and PhD Candidate Vedran Simic demonstrating NTNU's Shore Control Lab. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Enormous Potential for Collaboration 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. Niko Hrdalo, Croatian Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Driving the Next Wave of Maritime Innovation 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. Want to learn more? 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 More pictures from the AGATI visit to Norway From Blueye Robotic's testlab at Nyhavna. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Petter Sjursen. Product Engineer in Blueye Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster A Blueye underwater drone lights up the harbor water at Nyhavna. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Zeljka Rajkovic, Chief Operating Officer DIH Innovamare and Darko Dominović, Senior Surveyor, Croatian Register of Shipping, visiting NTNU Shore Control Lab. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Erik Veitch, NTNU Shore Control Lab. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Battery room on Torghatten's electric ferry Flakk-Rørvik.Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Electric propulsion on Torghatten's ferry Flakk-Rørvik. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Electric ferry Flakk-Rørvik. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster
Clean Sea Solutions, a leading Norwegian company specializing in innovative marine waste management, has found new business partners in Croatia. This collaboration began during a recent study trip organized by the Digital Innovation Hub Innovamare, where B2B meetings were the starting point for new partnerships between Croatian and Norwegian companies. This represents a significant step toward sustainable marine practices and highlights our commitment to protecting marine environment. -In this trip we met multiple Croatian companies and organizations working with the sea. This led to new partnerships and new buiness for us, Gulleik Olsen says. Gulleik Olsen, COO - Clean Sea Solutions He is COO in Clean Sea Solutions and has recently participated in the Norway - Croatia exchange study trip, arranged by Innovamare. - The role of Innovamare is important in fostering such valuable partnerships, says Gulleik Olsen. Networking events such as B2B meetings are among the many valuable services provided by the Digital Innovation Hub Innovamare and Ocean Autonomy Cluster. - Now we start seeing effects of the MATIN project, says Frode Halvorsen in Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Photo: Clean Sea Solutions