--- title: News | Otter description: Otter | --- [![Dark\_yellow-fill\_POS\_powbyFI](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Dark_yellow-fill_POS_powbyFI.png?width=350&height=49&name=Dark_yellow-fill_POS_powbyFI.png)](https://oceanautonomy.no?hsLang=en-us) - [NEWS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/news?hsLang=en-us) - ABOUT - [CLUSTER AND TEAM](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/clusterandteam?hsLang=en-us) - [MEMBERSHIP](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/membership?hsLang=en-us) - [MEMBERS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/members?hsLang=en-us) - PROJECTS - [Dark Drones](https://oceanautonomy.no/dark-drones?hsLang=en-us) - [FI Ocean Space Incubator](https://fi-nor.no/en/oceanspaceincubator/) - [Frostabåten](https://oceanautonomy.no/frostab%C3%A5ten?hsLang=en-us) - [Maritimt studentsenter Nyhavna](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/maritimt-studentsenter-nyhavna?hsLang=en-us) - [MIDAS - Mennesket i framtidens havromsoperasjoner](https://oceanautonomy.no/nb/project_midas?hsLang=en-us) - [MIDAS Academy](https://midas-academy.no/) - [ROC - Remote Operation Centres for next-generation maritime autonomy](https://oceanautonomy.no/project_roc-remote-operation-centres-for-next-generation-maritime-autonomy?hsLang=en-us) - [Strategisk forum Nyhavna](https://oceanautonomy.no/no-no/project-strategisk-forum-nyhavna?hsLang=en-us) - [Testination](https://testination.io/) - [XLRTR - Accelerate Dual-Use Technology for Multi-domain Operations](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/xlrtr?hsLang=en-us) - Completed projects - [AGATI - Adriatic Green Autonomous Transport Initiative](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_agati?hsLang=en-us) - [DIGIFJORD](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_digifjord?hsLang=en-us) - [FAST - Flexible Autonomous Smart Transport](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_fast?hsLang=en-us) - [FLEX FERRY](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_flexferry?hsLang=en-us) - [MATIN - The Croatia – Norway Marine Technology Innovation network](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_matin?hsLang=en-us) - [NEWS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/news?hsLang=en-us) - ABOUT - [CLUSTER AND TEAM](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/clusterandteam?hsLang=en-us) - [MEMBERSHIP](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/membership?hsLang=en-us) - [MEMBERS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/members?hsLang=en-us) - PROJECTS - [Dark Drones](https://oceanautonomy.no/dark-drones?hsLang=en-us) - [FI Ocean Space Incubator](https://fi-nor.no/en/oceanspaceincubator/) - [Frostabåten](https://oceanautonomy.no/frostab%C3%A5ten?hsLang=en-us) - [Maritimt studentsenter Nyhavna](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/maritimt-studentsenter-nyhavna?hsLang=en-us) - [MIDAS - Mennesket i framtidens havromsoperasjoner](https://oceanautonomy.no/nb/project_midas?hsLang=en-us) - [MIDAS Academy](https://midas-academy.no/) - [ROC - Remote Operation Centres for next-generation maritime autonomy](https://oceanautonomy.no/project_roc-remote-operation-centres-for-next-generation-maritime-autonomy?hsLang=en-us) - [Strategisk forum Nyhavna](https://oceanautonomy.no/no-no/project-strategisk-forum-nyhavna?hsLang=en-us) - [Testination](https://testination.io/) - [XLRTR - Accelerate Dual-Use Technology for Multi-domain Operations](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/xlrtr?hsLang=en-us) - Completed projects - [AGATI - Adriatic Green Autonomous Transport Initiative](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_agati?hsLang=en-us) - [DIGIFJORD](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_digifjord?hsLang=en-us) - [FAST - Flexible Autonomous Smart Transport](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_fast?hsLang=en-us) - [FLEX FERRY](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_flexferry?hsLang=en-us) - [MATIN - The Croatia – Norway Marine Technology Innovation network](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_matin?hsLang=en-us) [Get in touch](https://26558673.hs-sites-eu1.com/contactus?hsLang=en-us) Posts about # Otter ## [Maritime autonomous drone swarm demonstrated live for the US Navy in Trondheim](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/autonomy-at-sea-demonstrated-live-for-us-navy-in-trondheim) Posted by [Lars Bugge Aarset](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/author/lars-bugge-aarset) | Apr 10, 2026, 11:20:27 AM [Les saken på norsk](https://fi-nor.no/maritim-autonom-dronesverm-demonstrert-live-for-us-navy-i-trondheim/) Maritime Robotics demonstrated a maritime autonomous drone swarm for the US... [CONTINUE READING](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/autonomy-at-sea-demonstrated-live-for-us-navy-in-trondheim) ## [Maritime Robotics and Ovun Partner for a More Sustainable Future](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/maritime-robotics-and-ovun) Posted by [Lars Bugge Aarset](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/author/lars-bugge-aarset) | Dec 19, 2024, 5:13:50 PM Also published at [maritimerobotics.com](https://www.maritimerobotics.com/news/maritime-robotics-ovun-partner-sustainable-future) Maritime Robotics, a leader in uncrewed vehicle technology,... [CONTINUE READING](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/maritime-robotics-and-ovun) ## On the same subject ### [Breach VR: Reality is cross-platform](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/breach-vr-reality-is-cross-platform) [Aida Refvik Angell](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/author/aida-refvik-angell) [VR](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/tag/vr), [Breach VR](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/tag/breach-vr) ### [The Ocean Space Incubator in Trøndelag: Will strengthen Norway’s position in ocean space technology](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/the-ocean-space-incubator-will-strengthen-norways-position-in-ocean-space-technology) [Birgit Thorsen](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/author/birgit-thorsen) [Uncategorized](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/tag/uncategorized) ### [Autonomimiljøet i Midt-Norge får støtte til millionprosjekt](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/autonomimiljoet-i-midt-norge-far-stotte-til-millionprosjekt) [malin](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/author/malin) [Uncategorized](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/tag/uncategorized) ##### About Ocean Autonomy Cluster Ocean Autonomy Cluster is awarded The ECEI BRONZE Label “Striving for Cluster Excellence” [![Bronze label](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Bronze%20label.png?width=180&height=70&name=Bronze%20label.png)](https://www.cluster-analysis.org/benchmarked-clusters)   ##### Links - [NEWS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/news) - ABOUT - PROJECTS - [NEWS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/news) ##### Contact us [Frode@fi-nor.no](mailto:Frode@fi-nor.no) +47 918 45 969 Skippergata 14 - 7040 Trondheim-NORWAY [Subscribe for newsletter](https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1drRpuCknT9Gj2pUOE-9pVgft8sx) ![Dark\_yellow-fill\_POS (3)](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Dark_yellow-fill_POS%20(3).png?width=322&height=45&name=Dark_yellow-fill_POS%20(3).png) [![FI\_logo\_stor](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/FI_logo_stor.png?width=41&height=41&name=FI_logo_stor.png)](https://fi-nor.no/) ![FI - redigert logo](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/FI%20-%20redigert%20logo.png?width=174&height=58&name=FI%20-%20redigert%20logo.png)    ©2026 Copyright . All rights reserved. [Privacy policy](https://oceanautonomy.no/privacy-policy?hsLang=en-us) - - - ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Les saken på norsk Maritime Robotics demonstrated a maritime autonomous drone swarm for the US Navy during a live operation in the Trondheim Fjord on 9 April. The demonstration showed how multiple unmanned surface vessels operate in coordinated real time, with integrated sensors, remote control, and autonomous collaboration in realistic maritime scenarios. – The US is in the lead. They are placing orders now to build up their arsenal. They understand that you cannot wait two years and see how this develops, says Eirik Hovstein, Vice President Defence & Security at Maritime Robotics. Autonomous maritime operations were taken from concept to practice as multiple USVs were deployed in realistic scenarios. The demonstration provided participants with a concrete understanding of platform capabilities, including remote control, real-time data transmission, and supervised autonomy in dynamic environments. Eirik Hovstein, Maritime Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Maritime drone swarm demonstration One of the highlights was the demonstration of a maritime autonomous drone swarm, where multiple vessels operated in coordinated formation to simulate the protection of a mothership, a concept that is becoming increasingly important in modern naval operations. Autonomous maritime drone swarm. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri – The way warfare was conducted a year ago – you would not have survived more than a couple of days today, said Hovstein. The maneuver illustrated how multiple autonomous platforms can operate together under remote supervision, combining autonomy with effective vessel-to-vessel cooperation. Seabed mapping, autonomous navigation and collision avoidance. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Operations in practice Maritime Robotics’ autonomous vessel Mariner USV carried out advanced seabed mapping, while the larger Mariner X demonstrated autonomous navigation and collision avoidance in dynamic conditions. The larger vessels departed from Maritime Robotics’s base in Vanvikan on Fosen, while the smaller Otter units operated in the Trondheim harbour basin. All operations were controlled from the company’s Remote Operations Center (ROC) at Brattørkaia in Trondheim, where real-time monitoring and control were maintained throughout the demonstration. Mariner X. Photo: Maritime Robotics The Otter platform also carried out deployment and recovery of an underwater ROV, demonstrating how surface and subsea systems can be integrated for real-time data collection. The demonstration was streamed live to a broad international audience, with real-time data feeds including sonar (MBES), magnetometer data, and video shared throughout the operation. This provided direct insight into key enabling technologies such as beyond-line-of-sight communication, sensor fusion, and human–machine interfaces. Otter units operating in the Trondheim harbour basin Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri International interest The event was conducted in collaboration with Koniag Government Services. A technical Q&A session followed, allowing participants to explore operational aspects such as logistics, deployment, and mission-specific adaptation. – The pace of development is so fast that technology that was cutting-edge only a few months ago can quickly become outdated, said Hovstein. – The market is so large that we have no chance of covering it alone, and the maritime drone industry is not set up for scale. Very few players are able to produce thousands of units per year, said Eirik Hovstein. Experience from Ukraine also demonstrates the operational maturity of the systems, including their use in clearing sea lanes for mine threats to enable Ukrainian grain exports in the Black Sea. Eirik Hovstein, Vice President Defence & Security at Maritime Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri – The systems we delivered in 2023 are still operational – that says something about their robustness. They are being used in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable. In 2025, our systems identified more than 70 subsea objects, and the operators down there are the most experienced we have seen, they use the systems every day and continuously push their limits, said Eirik Hovstein. The strong international interest contrasts with more limited domestic attention, but underscores a rapidly growing global demand for unmanned systems that enhance maritime security and operational efficiency at sea. – It is striking that Norway does not yet have operational maritime drones, Eirik Hovstein adds. Mariner USV and Mariner X departed from their base in Vanvikan. Photo: Maritime Robotics Part of strong cluster collaboration Maritime Robotics is a member of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster, NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster, and Maritimt Forum Midt-Norge, main partner for Testination - Test Arena for Maritime Operations in Trondheimsfjorden, as well as an incubator company in the FI Ocean Space Incubator, where the company works closely with a range of other companies across the cluster networks. For members of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster and NORDSEC, the demonstration highlighted both the maturity of Norwegian-developed technology and the expanding international market for autonomous maritime systems. Eirik Hovstein in interview with Teknisk Ukeblad. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri. Video from the demo", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lars Bugge Aarset", "sameAs" : "https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsaarset/", "url" : "https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/author/lars-bugge-aarset" }, "dateModified" : "10/04/2026", "datePublished" : "10/04/2026", "headline" : "Maritime autonomous drone swarm demonstrated live for the US Navy in Trondheim", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://26558673.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26558673/Maritime%20Robotics%20Demo%20US%20Navy%20Photo%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset%20Fremtidens%20Industri%20%2859%29.jpg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/autonomy-at-sea-demonstrated-live-for-us-navy-in-trondheim", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://26558673.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26558673/Dark_yellow-fill_POS%20(3).png" }, "name" : "Ocean Autonomy Cluster/FI - Fremtidens Industri", "url" : "oceanautonomy.no" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Also published at maritimerobotics.com Maritime Robotics, a leader in uncrewed vehicle technology, has teamed up with Ovun, a Norwegian pioneer in sustainable manufacturing, to produce eco-friendly hulls for the fully electric Otter USV. Maritime Robotics, are always looking for ways to create innovative products that work well and are kinder to the environment. That’s why they now has partnered with Ovun to use recycled medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) for the hull of our fully electric Otter USV (Uncrewed Surface Vehicle). This step helps us reduce our environmental footprint and create technology that’s better for the planet. Eco-Friendly Hulls from Ovun The partnership focuses on using recycled medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) for the Otter’s hulls. These hulls are manufactured at Ovun’s facility in Åndalsnes, Norway, using recycled materials sourced from Nordic Plastic Recycling. The recycled material provided by NPR has been processed to meet the same high standards as virgin materials, ensuring durability, performance, and quality without compromise. By choosing recycled MDPE over virgin plastics, the companies have achieved a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative not only reduces waste but also aligns with the principles of the circular economy, giving new life to plastics that would otherwise be discarded. Kristine E. Mølmshaug, Quality and Sustainability Manager at Ovun, emphasized the significance of this approach, explaining that the recycled materials used in the hulls are durable and can be recycled repeatedly, ensuring sustainability throughout the product lifecycle. She also expressed pride in the collaboration, stating: “We are honored to contribute to a project that integrates sustainable materials with zero-emission technology. Together, we are creating solutions with a significantly reduced environmental footprint.” - Kristine E. Mølmshaug, QSM at Ovun Kristine E. Mølmshaug, Quality and Sustainability Manager at Ovun and Daniel Viklund, one of the engineers involved in the project stand beside the recycled MDPE hull mould of the Otter USV. High durability and recyclability The Otter USV, known for its zero-emission technology and precise data acquisition capabilities, now features a hull that enhances its eco-friendly credentials. The recycled MDPE used in the hull maintains high durability and recyclability, ensuring long-term usability without compromising performance. Maritime Robotics’ engineers worked purposefully to combine sustainable materials with technical excellence, demonstrating that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Developing this product has been an exciting challenge, where we’ve worked purposefully to combine technical performance with sustainable materials and processes. By using recycled materials and optimizing production, we demonstrate that it’s possible to create solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment - Daniel Viklund, engineer at Ovun A Cradle-to-Gate Carbon Footprint Assessment further highlights the environmental benefits of using recycled MDPE. The results show significant reductions in both material emissions and total carbon footprint compared to hulls made from virgin materials. These findings reinforce the value of adopting sustainable practices in maritime innovation. A Shared Vision for Sustainability This project shows what’s possible when companies work together. With Ovun’s expertise in sustainable materials, we’ve created a product that’s better for the environment without compromising on performance. The Otter USV is just one way Maritime Robotics is working to combine technology with environmental responsibility, and we’re excited to keep building solutions that benefit both our customers and the planet. The recycled MDPE hull mould of the Otter USV at the Ovun facilities. About Maritime Robotics Maritime Robotics, based in Trondheim, Norway, specializes in the design and production of uncrewed surface and airborne vehicles for maritime applications. The company delivers innovative solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in industries such as offshore energy, environmental monitoring, and defense. About Ovun Ovun, located in Åndalsnes, Norway, focuses on sustainable manufacturing solutions with expertise in utilizing recycled materials for industrial applications. The company collaborates with forward-thinking partners to develop products that align with the principles of the circular economy, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. For further information, please contact Vegard Evjen Hovstein CEO & Founder, Maritime Robotics AS Tel: +47 934 32 641 www.maritimerobotics.com Kristine E. Mølmshaug Quality and Sustainability Manager, Ovun kristine.molmshaug@ovun.com Te. +47 489 51 073 ovun.com", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lars Bugge Aarset", "sameAs" : "https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsaarset/", "url" : "https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/author/lars-bugge-aarset" }, "dateModified" : "19/12/2024", "datePublished" : "19/12/2024", "headline" : "Maritime Robotics and Ovun Partner for a More Sustainable Future", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://26558673.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26558673/maritimerobotics-ovun-otterusv-ovrun.png", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/maritime-robotics-and-ovun", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://26558673.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26558673/Dark_yellow-fill_POS%20(3).png" }, "name" : "Ocean Autonomy Cluster/FI - Fremtidens Industri", "url" : "oceanautonomy.no" } } ```