Research Areas

Background

Seventy per cent of the earth’s surface is covered by oceans, which have a vital function for life on earth. The oceans contribute to food and energy as well as mineral resources, and provide means for transport. Moreover, hydrocarbons are produced from sub-sea reservoirs.

Norway’s location, natural resources and topography make these issues particularly important for the nation. This is reflected in the Norwegian industrial clusters within the marine sector. The fundamental research in the Centre will contribute to the innovation of ships and ocean structures. The focus will be on generic knowledge that can serve as a basis for the future development of marine technologies, and for other industries engaged in similar activities.

Current challenges in marine technology are primarily associated with surface transport, fisheries and the petroleum industry. In a 20-25 year perspective, aquacultural production and harvesting of natural bio-resources e.g. in Norwegian waters are envisaged as increasing ten-fold.

In this timeframe, new configurations are required in the utilisation of the ocean space. This includes vessels with higher speed for transport, deep-water operations and sea-farms in more exposed sites than at present, as well as novel facilities enabled by new materials, electronics and information and communications technology. Moreover, facilities will be needed for the production of renewable energy from waves, tide and wind as well as for exploration of the ocean space.

Finally, minerals may be exploited on and below the seafloor. A particular issue is associated with the current trend towards large-scale structures, e.g. fish-farms, floating bridges, airports, long-span pipelines on uneven seabed, deep-water risers and mooring systems. A thorough understanding of the behaviour of ships and ocean structures and their operation is required meeting the future challenges of the existing and novel marine industries.