Les saken på norsk Ocean Access has initiated an exciting research project in Croatia, aiming to combine hyperspectral satellite data with in-depth measurements collected at various depths in the ocean. This integration seeks to provide new insights into critical marine phenomena, including algae blooms. The Trondheim-based technology company, Ocean Access, plans to deploy its research buoy in Norwegian and Croatian waters to continuously collect data from different depths. These in-situ measurements will complement hyperspectral satellite data, which only covers the surface layer. By effectively seeing beneath the surface, the project aims to create a more complete picture of the ocean environment — including deeper layers often not visible via satellite. “The collaboration arose after a trip to Croatia, organized by the Ocean Autonomy Cluster, where we connected with several relevant partners,” says Fredrik Lilleøkdal, CTO of Ocean Access. “Two companies, LIST LABS and BlueDataB, stood out as exciting partners in the satellite data field,” he adds. One of the Croatian partners, BluedataB, has significant experience with satellite-based remote monitoring and provides solutions for industries such as aquaculture. With Ocean Access’s technology, the project partners can now explore how continuous underwater monitoring can complement this remote sensing approach for more detailed data. Ocean Access develops submersible data buoys for collecting ocean data. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Efficient Four-Month Project Timeline Ocean Access CEO Andreas Mauritzen describes the project as a fast-paced collaboration, with a goal of delivering actionable results within just four months. “This project has the potential to make physical monitoring more cost-effective and scalable,” says Mauritzen. “We’re also exploring possibilities for expanding this cooperation both technically and commercially.” Part of MATIN Project Digital innovation HUB Innovamare and Ocean Autonomy Cluster (OAC) received funding from EEA grants to establish the Croatia – Norway Marine Technology Innovation network. Throughout the project, we have enabled companies from Croatia and Norway to collaborate on the development, testing, and validation of innovative marine technologies, with the aim of increasing joint investments in the blue economy, developing shared patents, and advancing applied research. This is a fantastic example of cluster effects; a cluster member that, through collaboration with a Croatian cluster, has established a cross-border partnership, says Frode Halvorsen of Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Ocean Access is a member of the FI Ocean Space Incubator and the Ocean Autonomy Cluster. About Ocean Access Founded in 2020 and based in Trondheim, Norway, Ocean Access develops submersible data buoys designed for comprehensive data collection in ocean environments. Their buoys operate both underwater and at the surface, equipped with a variety of sensors that enable detailed, continuous measurements. The system minimizes maintenance costs by protecting the buoy under the surface and can transmit collected data when it rises. The company operates out of Transittgata 14, Trondheim, and has ten employees. Do you like to know more? For more details about the project, please contact: Andreas Mauritzen, CEO and Co-Founder, andreas@oceanaccess.no, +47 942 57 323 Fredrik Lilleøkdal, CTO and Co-Founder, fredrik@oceanaccess.no, +47 988 41 415
Concrest Energy AS is developing new technology in wave power. The technology aims to provide a more stable power exchange than traditional wave power and can also be combined with wind power. Concrest Energy is now becoming a member of FI – Ocean Space Incubator. Concrest Energy was founded and is led by Leif Arne Tønnessen. He holds a degree in marine technology engineering and has held positions as a technology leader in the maritime and offshore industries for three decades. Leif Arne Tønnesen, gründer and leader of Concrest Energy The patented wave power system has a power capacity surpassing traditional wave power, enabling significantly lower costs for produced electric power, says Tønnessen. The innovation lies in the system arrangement and the dynamic interaction between the buoys harvesting wave energy. The commercial strategy is to install the wave power system alongside offshore wind farms, achieving better utilization of infrastructure and service facilities. Studies show that energy density per offshore area can double by combining wave and wind energy capture. All components and subsystems included in the solution are currently available on the market. This is significant for both risk, cost, and time to a commercial product. Ingrid Margrethe Sandnes, manager at FI – Ocean Space Incubator. Concrest Energy has developed a concept in wave power that I look forward to following further, says Ingrid Margrethe Sandnes, manager at FI – Ocean Space Incubator. Many are skeptical about wave power, but Concrest Energy has created a simple, robust, and scalable concept to address obstacles that previous solutions have not overcome. The incubator will assist the company with commercialization and financing, she says. Exciting Concept I find the concept of Concrest Energy to be one of the most exciting I've seen in wave power, says Thomas Bjørdal of the energy cluster RENERGY. While most others face significant cost issues that follow even if scaling is technically feasible, Concrest could scale without a corresponding increase in costs. Put another way, if it works technically, it should be possible to achieve a competitive price per produced kWh compared to other forms of ocean energy. For a cluster with nearly 100 members, it's crucial to have access to the expertise and resources of the Ocean Space Incubator. That type of assistance is critically important for startups that need help which we, as a cluster team, don't have the capacity for. But with the combination of our network and experience, along with guidance and support from Ingrid, the conditions are ripe for success, he says. Thomas Bjørdal in RENERGY Cluster. Photo: Marius Tvinnereim/FI – Fremtidens Industri Do you want to know more? Ingrid Margrethe Sandnes Manager, FI Ocean Space Incubator +47 936 15 103 E-post: ingrid@fi-nor.no Leif Arne Tønnessen Founder and leader Concrest Energy AS +47 97 67 64 43 E-post: leifarne.tonnessen@concrestenergy.com