Kongsberg Maritime - Experts & Thought Leaders

Kongsberg Maritime has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) during the Nor-Shipping 2025 event in Oslo, initiating a collaborative effort to explore the design of India’s first indigenous polar research vessel. The agreement marks a significant milestone in India’s ambitions to strengthen its polar research capabilities and scientific presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Kongsberg Maritime signs MoU with India While still in the exploratory phase, the MoU reflects the strategic importance of polar science While still in the exploratory phase, the MoU reflects the strategic importance of polar science and the increasing global demand for advanced, sustainable research platforms. Kongsberg Maritime brings decades of ship design expertise, including the successful delivery of complex polar research vessels for nations, such as the United Kingdom and Norway. Kongsberg’s integrated approach to vessel design The company takes an integrated approach to vessel design, combining advanced propulsion, automation, and mission-critical systems tailored for operations in extreme polar environments and heavy ice conditions. “This collaboration reflects the trust placed in Kongsberg Maritime’s capabilities and our long-standing commitment to supporting scientific exploration in the world’s most challenging environments,” said Annette Holte, Country Manager - India, Kongsberg Maritime. State-of-the-art polar research platform Annette Holte adds, “We are proud to support India’s vision for a state-of-the-art polar research platform. This initiative aligns strongly with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ policy, and we look forward to working closely with GRSE to explore innovative and locally driven design solutions.” The proposed vessel is to support a wide range of scientific missions, including climate research, oceanography, and polar logistics. It will incorporate Kongsberg Maritime’s integrated technologies to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations in polar regions. MoU signed at Nor-Shipping 2025 The MoU was signed at Nor-Shipping 2025, where Kongsberg Maritime is showcasing its latest innovations under the theme Technologies for Sustainable Oceans.

Announced today at Nor-Shipping in Oslo, a pioneering partnership between Kongsberg Maritime, Solstad, Østensjø, DeepOcean, and Remota will see the launch of a pilot project to explore the potential for remote Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations in the offshore sector. The pilot, set to begin later this year aboard the offshore vessel Normand Sentinel, will explore how remote technology can enhance operational flexibility and expand recruitment opportunities within the maritime industry. By enabling DP operations to be conducted from shore, the project aims to attract a wider and more diverse recruitment base. Remote Operations Centre The shore-based DP operator will work from a Remote Operations Centre (ROC) operated by RemotaThe shore-based DP operator will work from a Remote Operations Centre (ROC) operated by Remota, supported by advanced connectivity and cybersecurity infrastructure. This initiative represents a step toward smarter, more sustainable maritime operations. By leveraging cutting-edge remote technology, the project aims to enhance operational flexibility and unlock new efficiencies in offshore operations. First phase of the project In its first phase, the pilot will involve two vessels: Solstad’s Normand Sentinel and Østensjø’s Edda Freya. Both vessels will maintain full onboard DP teams to ensure safety and provide comparative data. The project will also explore the viability of remote DP2 operations and assess a more flexible model for future operations. Words from President of Kongsberg Maritime Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, said: “Together with our experienced, forward-thinking, and innovative partners Solstad, Østensjø, DeepOcean, and Remota, we aim to challenge established norms in the maritime industry through innovative remote technology, collectively addressing future challenges with proven technological solutions.” Authority comments Lars Peder Solstad, CEO of Solstad, added: “Together with DeepOcean and Østensjø, we are partnering up with Remota and Kongsberg Maritime to challenge the established by use of remote technology. By combining new technologies with operational experience, we see the opportunity to transfer functions such as DP operations from offshore to onshore.” Kristian H. Vea, CEO of Østensjø, commented: “True progress starts with the right mindset—and the right partners. This collaboration places us at the forefront of remote offshore operations, reinforcing our commitment to advancing smarter, more sustainable maritime solutions.” Øyvind Mikaelsen, CEO of DeepOcean, said: “These great partners, aligned in our goals, and combining the best available technologies, will result in supporting DeepOcean’s vision of being the world-leading ocean service provider and staying at the forefront of remote and uncrewed operations, enabling efficiency gains for offshore energy operators.” Sveinung Soma, CEO of Remota, concluded: “When developing and proving remote DP operations with renowned partners as Østensjø, Solstad, DeepOcean and Kongsberg Maritime, Remota will be in position to offer DP from Remote Operation Centres to the wider DP market. Our customers will benefit from lower operating costs and higher crew utilisation and flexibility.” The partnership is formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Kongsberg Maritime has officially launched K-Sail, a new service that helps vessel owners choose and integrate wind-assist technology effectively. Wind-assist technology has rapidly gained popularity and variety over the past few years as ship owners seek ways to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The new K-Sail service helps owners navigate the complexities of adopting wind-assist technology by focusing on integration and collaborating with various technology partners. Wind assist technology “Ship owners can choose their preferred type of wind assist technology. There are several available and they all have their own attributes. However, to date, these technologies, whether incorporated in a new build, or retrofitted, are essentially an add-on technology.” “We believe they can be used in a much more effective way,” says Henrik Alpo Sjöblom, Kongsberg Maritime Vice President Business Concepts and the driving force behind K-Sail. Kongsberg’s expertise Kongsberg Maritime’s expertise in maritime technology integration is central to the K-Sail service. The optimisation process is divided into five key areas: Analysis: Understanding the vessel's operational parameters and selecting the appropriate sail technology. Steering Optimisation: Adjusting the steering system to accommodate the additional thrust generated by the sails. Propulsion Optimisation: Ensuring the propeller operates efficiently with the added wind propulsion. Power Management: Balancing the power generated by the sails with the ship's energy requirements. Voyage Optimisation: Using AI and real-time data to optimise the vessel's route and speed for maximum efficiency "K-Sail is a solution where we make different ship equipment play with each other, better. Putting a sail on a ship is of course not new. But the essence of using it successfully lies in the integration of these sails into the ship's systems," says Sjöblom. Kongsberg customer Kongsberg Maritime customer Terntank has already been working with the K-Sail team on a pilot project. In 2025, the first of five wind-assisted tankers ordered by Terntank will be launched, serving as the first reference point for K-Sail. Sjöblom estimates that the fuel savings will increase from first estimated 9% to 15% thanks to K-Sail.