Trade Mission

Les saken på norsk A delegation of U.S. ocean technology and maritime defence companies visited Trondheim and the Trøndelag region this week as part of the 2026 Norway Trade Mission, organized by TMA BlueTech in collaboration with Ocean Autonomy Cluster. The mission connected American companies, researchers and defence representatives directly with Norway’s rapidly growing ecosystem for ocean autonomy, maritime technology and dual-use innovation. Øyvind Smogeli presenting Zeabuz. U.S. companies and defence representatives joined the mission The five-day mission brought together a select group of American companies focused on maritime autonomy, ocean intelligence, sensing technologies and offshore systems. During the mission, the delegation received presentations and visited a broad range of companies, research environments and innovation initiatives within the Norwegian ocean technology ecosystem. The program included introductions from Ocean Autonomy Cluster, NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster and NCE Aquatech Cluster, alongside presentations from Innovation Norway and Fjordlab. Participants also visited NTNU Shore Control Lab and Zeabuz’ Remote Operations Center (ROC). Mayor Kent Ranum and Ingvill Dalseg from Trøndelag County Council opened the programme. Here together with Svein Olav Munkeby and Frode Halvorsen from Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Company presentations and meetings included SentiSystems, Eelume, OceanAccess, Clarify, Zeabuz, Blueye Robotics, Nortek, Norse Navigation, Maritime Robotics, Fugro, Skarv Technologies, Water Linked and NORBIT. The delegation also visited Kongsberg’s facilities and received regional welcome presentations from Mayor Kent Ranum of Trondheim and Ingvill Dalseg on behalf of Trøndelag. “I am especially proud of the work being carried out through Fremtidens Industri, and of the hosting of this visit by Frode Halvorsen and Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Together with NORDSEC – Nordic Defence and Security Cluster, this demonstrates the strength of Trøndelag’s cluster ecosystem, where knowledge is shared, partnerships are built and new solutions are developed,” Ingvill Dalseg said during the opening. Dalseg is Chair of the Committee for Business and Industry, Trøndelag County Council. Representatives from the U.S. Embassy and a delegation from the U.S. Navy also participated throughout the program. Visiting Oceantech Innovation. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Participating companies included TMA BlueTech, Blue Ocean Gear, Tocaro Blue, Quartermaster, Ocean Power Technologies and Biospherical Instruments. Throughout the week, participants engaged with companies, research institutions and test environments spanning autonomous systems, ocean sensing, remote operations and intelligent maritime platforms. The delegation also explored opportunities related to maritime defence, subsea infrastructure, secure communications and resilient offshore operations. The 120-meter-long and up to 12-meter-deep dry dock at Oceantech Innovation. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri An exceptional ecosystem around maritime technology TMA BlueTech executive director Matt Classen said the collaboration with Ocean Autonomy Cluster is part of a broader strategy to create stronger and more consistent transatlantic cooperation between Norway and the United States. “We are focused on helping our member companies connect to international markets and find commercial pathways,” said Classen. “Norway has built an exceptional ecosystem around maritime technology, ocean intelligence and autonomous systems, and Trondheim is one of the most interesting environments we have seen for applied collaboration.” TMA BlueTech executive director Matt Classen testing Blueye drone together with Christian Gabrielsen, Blueye Robotics and Svein Olav Munkeby, Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Anchored in Trondheim, the program gave participants direct access to Norway’s globally recognized environment for ocean autonomy and operational testing. Engagements included ecosystem briefings, company visits and meetings with Norwegian technology companies, research institutions and operators. Blueye X3 Ultra underwater drone. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri The delegation visited environments connected to NTNU and SINTEF, alongside meetings with several companies within the Ocean Autonomy Cluster ecosystem. A dedicated meeting platform enabled participants to schedule targeted one-to-one meetings in advance, helping maximize the value of the visit and accelerate discussions around partnerships and pilot opportunities. Demonstrations at Nyhavna in Trondheim. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri According to Classen, the goal is not only to organize trade missions, but to establish long-term structures for technology exchange, research collaboration and market access between the two countries. “We want to move beyond occasional visits and create a more consistent framework for collaboration between Southern California and Trondheim,” he said. “That includes knowledge exchange, technology transfer and helping Norwegian companies gain access to the U.S. market, investors and growth opportunities.” Mariner seadrone by Maritime Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Trondheim highlighted as a global test environment Classen also highlighted the importance of Trondheim’s close integration between industry, research and operational environments. “The combination of companies, NTNU, SINTEF and the broader Ocean Autonomy Cluster creates a very strong foundation for innovation and deployment,” he said. Frode Halvorsen, manager of Ocean Autonomy Cluster and TMA BlueTech executive director Matt Classen. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Frode Halvorsen, manager of Ocean Autonomy Cluster, said the mission demonstrated the growing strategic importance of ocean autonomy and dual-use maritime technologies. “We see strong alignment between Norwegian and American stakeholders within autonomous maritime systems, ocean intelligence and maritime defence,” said Halvorsen. “The combination of operational test environments, industrial capability and applied research creates strong opportunities for continued cooperation.” Mariner seadrone by Maritime Robotics doing autonomus scanning of Nyhavna seabed. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Support from Sparebank1 SMN Among the supporters of TMA BlueTech Trade Mission Norway is SpareBank 1 SMN. – There is strong technology here, highly skilled people, and research environments capable of turning research into companies and solutions the world actually needs. It is a truly unique ecosystem of expertise in Central Norway that we naturally want to support, says Knut Eilif Halgunset, Head of Transformation and Strategic Partners at SpareBank 1 SMN. SpareBank 1 SMN is one of Norway’s largest regional savings banks, serving Central Norway with a broad range of financial services for individuals, businesses and the public sector. The bank plays an active role in regional development and innovation through investments, partnerships and support for growth-oriented industry clusters and ecosystems. Through its community dividend fund, networks and in-house expertise, the bank also contributes to strengthening the ecosystem around startups and technology companies. Knut Eilif Halgunset, Head of Transformation and Strategic Partners at SpareBank 1 SMN. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Continued cooperation ahead The mission concluded with strategic discussions and executive-level networking sessions in Trøndelag, where participants explored pathways for continued transatlantic cooperation within maritime technology, defence and ocean innovation. Ocean Autonomy Cluster and TMA BlueTech expect several of the discussions initiated during the week to continue through follow-up meetings, research collaboration and potential demonstration projects in Norway and the United States. Eelume E underwater drone in front of Zeabuz autonomus Zea Falcon in the Nyhavna harbour basin. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Trade Mission

U.S. ocean technology companies explored Norwegian autonomy ecosystem through Trondheim trade mission

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