Norwegian Minister of defence Tore O. Sandvik brought the Nordic defence ministers to the Ocean Basin at SINTEF Ocean. From left: Peter Melgaard – Denmark, Pål H. Jonson – Sweden, Tore O. Sandvik – Norway, Alexandra Bech Gjørv – SINTEF, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir – Iceland, Antti Häkkänen – Finland, Vegar Johansen – SINTEF Ocean.
Photo: SINTEF.
The Norwegian-based independent research organization, SINTEF, and several European partners are collaborating to develop new standards for advanced underwater networks and to help adapt renewable energy solutions for European naval vessels.
Through the European Defence Fund, three research projects involving SINTEF have received EUR 56 million. The EDF aims to coordinate the European defence industry and finance the joint development of military equipment and technologies.
"Participation gives Norwegian companies and research communities access to funding and collaborative arenas, while also helping us gain access to the European market. Together with European partners, we contribute to the development of national and European defence capabilities and to strengthening NATO," detailed Norway's Minister of Defence, Tore O. Sandvik.
Since 2021, the EDF has launched 279 projects, and Norway participates in 82 of them. Its main actors include Kongsberg Gruppen, Nammo, and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment.
One of these initiatives is the SHIELD project, which aims to deliver a new unmanned underwater surveillance system that will connect underwater vehicles, divers, surface vessels, and various sensors to monitor underwater operations.
"We will use the Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre in Trondheim and its research infrastructure to carry out full-scale testing and underwater research," advanced Emlyn Davies, Research Manager for Marine Modelling and Autonomous Systems at SINTEF Ocean.
There is also the DEEP TECH project, which develops technology for monitoring infrastructure in ultra-deep waters. It aims to detect problems and their causes, enabling effective management at depths of up to 6,000 metres.
"Norway has a large amount of critical subsea infrastructure. Being entrusted with leading and coordinating the development of innovative technology to monitor and protect this infrastructure is a sign of confidence," says Sveinung Ohrem, Senior Researcher at SINTEF Ocean.
The third project, MINERVA, promotes the transition towards renewable and hybrid energy solutions for European naval vessels, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
"At the same time, the project strengthens national expertise and can make us less dependent on fossil fuels and vulnerable supply chains," said Kristine Bruun Ludvigsen, Senior Researcher at SINTEF Ocean.