Trondheim's €850 Million Bet: Redefining Ocean Technology
This is what the new basin at Ocean Technology Centre will look like. Image: Statsbygg/LINK Artkitektur
Trondheim Sets Sights on Becoming the World's Ocean Technology Capital with Groundbreaking Research Centre for Industry and Academia.
Trondheim, Norway’s technology capital, has long been a hub of technological innovation and collaboration. Now, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and their partner organization SINTEF are taking a monumental step forward with the new Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre, a massive undertaking set to redefine Norway’s position in ocean technology and marine industries.
Ocean Technology Centre
The Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre’s Buildings and facilities, a 10 billion NOK (€850 million) investment in:
New buildings at Tyholt in Trondheim: Archimedes’ House, the Basin Building with two big basins for model testing and Professor Mørch’s House, total area: 45 000 m²
New laboratories at Torgard in Trondheim: The Marine Structures Laboratory and the Laboratory for Maritime Energy Systems
Fjordlab: New laboratories near to or in the ocean:
Subsea robotics, autonomous vessel test area and marine observatory in Trondheimsfjorden
Full scale maritime test area and maritime operations in Ålesund
Aquaculture in Hitra/Frøya – as well as a mobile aquaculture laboratory
We always have to improve, be proud, but never be satisfied.
- Asgeir J. Sørensen, Professor at NTNU and director of the former Centre for Autonomous Marine Operations and Systems (NTNU AMOS) operating the years 2013-2023.
From green shipping to sustainable seafood production, the centre will support research, development and innovation with both industry and academia to combat global challenges head-on, driving technological advancements, and solidifying Norway and Trondheim’s position as a global leader in the field of ocean technology.
World Leading Infrastructure
The Ocean Technology Centre’s infrastructure is designed to offer unmatched facilities for research, development, and testing, among the best in the world. Vegar Johansen, CEO of SINTEF Ocean says this will be the world’s most important centre for ocean technology. Tackling the huge challenges the industry is facing transitioning into green shipping, loss of bio-diversity and degradation of the ocean health, and energy production off shore.
The Fjordlab is an important part of the Ocean Technology Centre: This national research infrastructure enabling full-scale testing and development of advanced ocean technologies. Spanning locations like Trondheimsfjorden, Hitra, Frøya, and Ålesund, it supports research on underwater operations, autonomous ships, and vessel systems. Fjordlab includes mobile aquaculture labs, marine observatories, long-range deep-water underwater vehicles and cutting-edge sensor testing for ocean monitoring and offshore safety. It builds on existing facilities like AUR-Lab, OceanLab Observatory, and SINTEF ACE. With the Fjordlab, the Ocean Technology Centre can provide the essential capability for real-world testing and development, and marine robotics technology for mapping and monitoring of the fjords and oceans.
Test Basins: Two new large-scale test basins will allow researchers to simulate complex ocean conditions, providing a state-of-the-art facility for testing ship designs, floating wind turbines, and more.
No one else has basins with the functionality we will have. These facilities will allow us to conduct experiments and tests at a scale and precision that is unmatched globally.
- Vegar Johansen, CEO SINTEF Ocean
This is what the new research basin at the Ocean Space Centre will look like when it's completed.
A Vision Rooted in Ambition and Legacy
The Ocean Technology Centre represents a bold commitment to addressing critical global issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. At its heart are two intertwined goals: developing cutting-edge technologies for ocean industries and educating the next generation of professionals in the marine field
The main goal of the Ocean Technology Centre is to develop new technology together with industry and researchers for global needs—whether it’s shipping, renewable energy, or the seafood industry. We also want to educate new candidates from the university who can work in the ocean industries.
- Vegar Johansen, CEO SINTEF Ocean
This vision builds on Trondheim’s legacy of technological research, which spans more than a century, while ensuring the city remains a global frontrunner in education, innovation, and sustainability.
Collaboration and the Power of the Trondheim Model
At the heart of the centre’s collaborative approach, is what’s known as the “Trondheim Model.” This model brings together academia, industry, and research institutions to drive innovation and ensure that new technologies have real-world impact.
Academia and Industry Partnerships: NTNU and SINTEF have for many years worked closely with industrial actors in Centres for Research-based Innovation (SFI) and Centre of Excellence (SFF). This practice serves as a bridge between research and industry, enabling close collaboration on projects that address both fundamental research and real-world challenges and solutions.
Sometimes the industry has needs only academia can answer, and sometimes academia has questions they only can explore through the industry
- Asgeir J. Sørensen
Through the new centre, industry actors will meet both researchers and students, and together they will collaborate to find the cutting-edge technologies the industry needs.
Interdisciplinary Innovation: By bringing together experts in several fields, like marine biology, oceanography, AI, and robotics, the Ocean Technology Centre fosters groundbreaking innovations that "Many groundbreaking innovations happen in the interdisciplinary space," says Sørensen. This collaborative ethos ensures that the centre can be a catalyst for innovation across industries.
Educating Tomorrow’s experts
The Ocean Technology Centre is as much about people as it is about technology. Its world-class facilities and collaborative environment make it a magnet for students and researchers from around the world.
Archimedes’ House with laboratories where theory can be put into practice and students can conduct their own experiments is a key part of their education
Hands-On Learning: Students at the centre gain practical experience by working directly in labs and on field projects, preparing them for careers in ocean industries.
The centre will attract students to Trondheim, where they can work with the best laboratories and tools, and be part of an inspiring community
- Professor Asgeir J. Sørensen
Sørensen was himself drawn to Trondheim by what was then state-of-the-art laboratories at the Marine Institute.
Global Talent: The centre is designed to attract top talent from both Norway and abroad, ensuring that its impact extends far beyond Trondheim.
By focusing on education, the centre is ensuring that its legacy will be carried forward by the next generation.
A Driver of Economic Growth
The centre’s influence isn’t limited to research and education—it’s also a powerful economic engine. By fostering innovation and creating spin-off companies, the centre is contributing to Trondheim’s reputation as a hub for technology-driven growth.
Spin-Off Companies: The technologies developed at NTNU and SINTEF are already giving rise to new businesses, creating jobs and driving economic growth in the region.
The Ocean Technology Centre will produce new spin-off companies, many of which will remain in Trondheim, contributing to the local economy.
- Professor Sørensen
Notable spin-offs from NTNU are companies like Eelume, Zeabuz, UBIQ Aerospace, Skarv Technologies, Blueye and ScoutDI.
Making a mark in Ocean Technology
Trondheim is fast becoming known as a centre for innovation in maritime industries and ocean technology, nicknamed the “Silicon Port”, with the new centre at the heart of this transformation.
It’s about positioning the city as a global leader in ocean technology.
- Professor Sørensen
And he continues: "By addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration, the centre is shaping a more sustainable future while creating opportunities for both current and future Trondhjemmere (i.e resident of Trondheim) to make their mark on the maritime industry.”
The Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre will be crucial to the future of ocean technology, driving progress with the potential to change the world and protect our oceans for generations to come.
SINTEF and NTNU: Ocean Technology Centre
The Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre will become one of the world's most advanced facilities for research and education within the field of marine technology.
Video presentation (Ocean Tech. Centre)
The Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre, with Department of Marine Technology at NTNU and Sintef Ocean co-located will become a world-leading centre for education, research and innovation.
Statsbygg on the construction of Ocean Technology Centre (NO)
The Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre is being built in Trondheim. The center will be highly important for value creation in ocean industries moving forward and a significant contribution to the green transition.
SINTEF on Ocean Technology Centre
The centre will become the national knowledge centre for ocean space technology. The purpose of The Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre is to secure Norway’s position as a leading ocean nation and contribute to the green shift in Norwegian ocean industries.
Eirik Haldberg
Photographer, writer and Trondheim resident
Trondheim Work & Tech
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