Les saken på norsk Norwegian Electric Systems partners with SentiSystems to develop Autonomous Zero-Emission ferries operating in Sognefjorden, Norway. Lavik–Oppedal will become world’s first autonomous ferry connection. Norwegian Electric Systems AS (NES), a subsidiary of HAV Group, has selected SentiSystems, based in Trondheim, as its development partner to enhance and strengthen the autonomous navigation systems and situational awareness for four zero-emission ferries. These vessels will begin operating the Lavik–Oppedal crossing on the northwest coast of Norway from fall 2026. World’s First Autonomous Ferry Connection The four new zero-emission ferries are designed for autonomous operation on the 5.6-kilometer Lavik–Oppedal ferry route, which crosses the Sognefjord from Lavik in Høyanger municipality to Ytre Oppedal in Gulen municipality. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes, and the ferries will be in operation from September 1, 2026. This project contributes to Norway's ambitious goals for greener and more efficient maritime transport. The ferries are currently under development and will operate with autonomous navigation and a high degree of automation of vessel functions, replacing manual operations. The implementation of automation features and autonomous systems, including autocrossing and autodocking, will take place in 2027, while autonomous navigation is expected to be introduced in 2028. As a result, Lavik–Oppedal will become the world’s first autonomous ferry connection. Illustration: Norwegian Electric Systems/HAV Group. A strategic partnership to drive maritime autonomy NES will as part of a large equipment delivery and system integration contract supply technology for automated operations and autonomous navigation for the vessels. SentiSystems will work closely with NES to develop sensor fusion to enable smooth handling of local and global navigation to secure the situational awareness even in GNSS denied situations, utilizing their proprietary SentiNAV technology. Arne Kjørsvik, CEO at SentiSystems, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: This is an exciting opportunity for us at SentiSystems and an important collaboration where we will contribute with our technology. This project is not only an important contract for us, but also a major step toward creating a more reliable and robust autonomous solution for the global maritime industry. Fredrik Leira CTO and Arne Kjørsvik CEO in SentiSystems. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster SentiSystems will develop and implement its sensor fusion technology from their headquarters in Trondheim. This advanced system integrates data from multiple sensors to create a comprehensive, real-time picture of the vessels' surroundings. This capability helps avoid potential hazards, ensures smooth docking, and manages dynamic maritime conditions. It is critical for autonomous ferries to maintain positional accuracy, even in scenarios where GPS signals are disturbed or lost, and understand their surroundings, which is a core contribution of SentiSystems in this partnership. The technology developed by SentiSystems is based on more than 10 years of research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The next phase in Autonomous Innovation Frederik Leira, CTO of SentiSystems, highlighted the importance of sensor fusion in autonomous systems: By leveraging sensor fusion in autonomous vessels, we enable enhanced perception, situational awareness, and improved positioning precision and accuracy, all of which are crucial for the safe and efficient operation of these ferries. A commitment to sustainability and safety The partnership between NES and SentiSystems reflects a shared commitment to maritime innovation, environmental responsibility, efficiency and safety. As part of the broader zero-emission initiative, this project aligns with Norway’s national goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector and advancing autonomous technology in maritime operations. Senti Systems is member of Ocean Autonomy Cluster and FI Ocean Space Incubator. “It’s great to see that more and more members of OAC are becoming suppliers of components and new technology in major projects,” says cluster leader Frode Halvorsen of Ocean Autonomy Cluster. The collaboration between GCE Blue Maritime Cluster member Norwegian Electric Systems and Ocean Autonomy Cluster member SentiSystems demonstrates valuable synergies in line with the MIDAS project's goal to advance autonomous maritime technology as a future Norwegian export industry. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster About SentiSystems SentiSystems is a technology company based in Trondheim, Norway specializing in sensor fusion technology for robots and autonomous systems. Built on research from NTNU, they provide solutions that enhance precision, safety, and efficiency in advanced robotics, drones, and autonomous vehicles. The company's technology enables accurate positioning even without GPS, giving systems a comprehensive understanding of their surroundings. Would you like to know more? Contact Arne Kjørsvik CEO, SentiSystems Cell: +47 932 02 013 e-mail: arne.kjorsvik@sentisystems.com web: www.sentisystems.com in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnekjorsvik/
Read article in Norwegian NATO's Innovation Fund - NIF is a key component of NATO's focus on technology and innovation. The fund has a total size of 1 billion euros over 15 years and invests in technologies that could be crucial in future military operations. The Norwegian share is approximately 400 million Norwegian kroner. Recently, a number of Trondheim's ocean technology companies have received visits from the fund. They exclusively invest in research-based startups in deep tech, aiming to be a significant source of investment for Norway's high-tech industry. Visit at Oceantech Innovation. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Can create at least 1000 more jobs Our mission is capacity building, to build local capacity within 'deep tech', says Thorsten Claus, who leads NIF's fund-of-funds platform in NATO's Innovation Fund. If there is indeed a cluster of interest that we can finance, where we have startups that we can fund, it will create a gravity like an accelerator. This will automatically create at least 1000 more jobs in the region, he says. Not only that, it will be a huge inspiration for everyone working at the university to see that there is a career path in 'dual use of deep tech' and ocean technology, says Claus. The visit is an important contribution to positioning the technology community in Trondheim, says Anders Aune at NTNU Technology Transfer. We get to showcase that we have an area where we have incredibly exciting research and knowledge-based startups that can be attractive for NATO's Innovation Fund. Anders Aune, NTNU Technology Transfer. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster We particularly want to showcase an area where Norway and Trondheim excel, which is ocean technology. Here, we have around twenty to thirty startup companies and some major end customers, as well as larger players like Kongsberg Group. We have also been able to demonstrate that we have infrastructure and facilities for testing both in labs, visually and digitally, and physical testing in pools, ports, and fjords, says Aune. Thorsten Claus, NATO's Innovation Fund. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Ohh man, that’s gold. That’s amazing! The most important thing we've seen today is the phenomenal collaboration. NIF only invests in great teams, and teamwork is, of course, a matter of collaboration. What we've seen today are perfect examples: How many startup companies exchange ideas and technologies and find commercial engagement with each other? They share customer information. They share experiences about the customers, how they buy, what they buy, and when they buy. Oh, man, that’s gold. That’s amazing! Photo gallery from the visit Photos by Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster
Trondheim, a city with a rich technological legacy, is poised to establish Nyhavna as Norway's answer to Silicon Valley. A strategic initiative is now unveiled. Eighteen maritime stakeholders are coming together to establish the Strategic Forum for Nyhavna. The ambition is to develop a world-leading ocean technology community at Nyhavna. Trondheim has a historic opportunity to create Norway's Silicon Harbor on Nyhavna, a pivotal part of Trondheim's evolution as a technology capital. The strategic importance of Nyhavna cannot be overstated. It is not merely a harbor; it is a crucible of innovation, a convergence of established enterprises and startups, all dedicated to advancing maritime technology. The formation of the Strategic Forum for Nyhavna is a testament to the urgency of consolidating this vibrant ecosystem and elevating its visibility in both societal discourse and the developmental processes surrounding Nyhavna. From the opening of NYNU Nyhavna. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset The initiative stems from the desire to gather and promote the interests of marine technology, maritime industry, and related actors at Nyhavna. It is high time that the technology community associated with Nyhavna unites and highlights the ongoing developments, innovations, and value creation. This community needs a clear voice in societal discussions and the processes surrounding Nyhavna's development. The Strategic Forum for Nyhavna aims to secure the interests of ocean technology, maritime industry, and adjacent stakeholders at Nyhavna, working towards making it the world's leading area for ocean technology. From the opening of NTNU Nyhavna. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset Nyhavna boasts a robust ocean technology community with a mix of established companies and startups. This is something we need to build upon, says Frode Halvorsen of Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Ocean technology is crucial in the technology capital, and it requires access to quaysides and the fjord. Trondheimsfjorden, established as the world's first test area for autonomous vessels, he adds. The city council has been explicit in its commitment to facilitating business and industry at Nyhavna. This commitment is part of the rationale behind presenting a dedicated business program for the area, scheduled for consideration by the city council next year. The focus is on securing the natural place of ocean technology at Nyhavna. Since the adoption of the municipal plan in 2016, the presence of ocean technology companies has significantly increased, with many of them finding a home in Nyhavna. Here, they have access to quaysides and the fjord, essential for their continued development. Additionally, there is increased activity from NTNU, involving both students and researchers. The opening of NTNU Nyhavna this summer demonstrated the considerable interest in the innovation environment here. Background/Facts The Strategic Forum for Nyhavna comprises 18 key stakeholders. Its purpose is to safeguard the interests of ocean technology, maritime industry, and related stakeholders on Nyhavna, working towards establishing Nyhavna as the world's leading area for maritime technology. The objectives include communication and profiling of ocean technology actors on Nyhavna, maintaining an ongoing dialogue with policymakers, administration, and other stakeholders, and actively contributing to reports and processes crucial for Nyhavna's development. Key Forum Participants NTNU Fremtidens Industri AS Blueye Robotics AS OceanTech Innovation AS Eelume AS Zeabuz AS BOA Offshore AS Innovation JBA AS Skarv Technologies AS Selfa Arctic AS Vitensenteret Water Linked AS Ocean Access AS Maritime Robotics Norbit Oceans Trondheim Havn IKS Clean Sea Solutions AS SentiSystems AS As the Strategic Forum for Nyhavna embarks on this transformative journey, it signals not just the potential for economic prosperity but the emergence of Nyhavna as a global beacon for maritime technology innovation.