Subsea pipelines, power cables, offshore platforms, and sensor arrays hold immense significance for today's society, but they are increasingly exposed to risks. To address these vulnerabilities, the Joint Declaration of Baltic Sea Security was signed on 20 November, fostering regional cooperation and protection.
KONGSBERG has expressed its support for this initiative. The 2022 incident involving gas pipeline sabotage in the Baltic Sea shifted perceptions, identifying maritime infrastructure as a critical asset vulnerable to disturbances.
The Joint Baltic Declaration on Security in the Baltic Sea was formalised on November 20 by Norwegian State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen, with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, present.
Commitment to maritime security
Arne Rinnan, Executive Vice President for Strategy and Technology at Kongsberg Discovery, voiced optimism about the declaration and its implications.
Arne Rinnan emphasised, “This is a positive and the right move for securing the maritime domain in the Baltic Sea. We have experienced great interest in the Oslofjord Test Bed that was opened in June this year. Here we are coordinating expertise across KONGSBERG to develop a unified solution.”
Technological integration for safety
The Oslofjord Test Bed exemplifies sophisticated technology integration, combining subsea autonomy, land-based and satellite surveillance, traffic monitoring, and real-time analytics into a cohesive system.
This development reimagines the safeguarding of subsea infrastructure. Rinnan pointed out the ongoing deliberation around accountability, noting significant interest from both local and international government entities: "I see this declaration as a goal to pursue additional measures."
Arne Rinnan adds, "We've had significant attention and visits from government officials both abroad and at home who are interested in our technology. However, the central issue remains: in the event of an incident, who truly holds responsibility?"
Enhancing regional preparedness
The declaration is seen as a vital move towards bolstered cooperation and readiness within the region
The declaration is seen as a vital move towards bolstered cooperation and readiness within the region, as highlighted by Norwegian State Secretary, Marte Gerhardsen.
Concurrently, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace joined The Green Industrial District – Kashubia Project in Poland, agreeing to commence related operations there.
Marte Gerhardsen commented, "This is a good example of how Norway and our partners are committed to strengthening Europe's security through both diplomacy and industry."
Objectives of the declaration
Norway’s endorsement of the declaration is intended to achieve several objectives:
- Enhancing military cooperation among regional countries to boost defence readiness
- Improving interoperability while conducting joint exercises and mobilisation
- Ensuring democratic values, rule of law, and human rights are upheld amidst security threats
- Increasing stability and security in the Baltic Sea, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions and Russian threats
- Encouraging regional collaboration to reinforce European security
Diverse terrain of maritime infrastructure
The diverse terrain of maritime infrastructure, both above and below the waterline, plays a critical role in energy security, economic stability, and national resilience.
Below the surface, this involves subsea oil and gas installations, pipelines, fibre-optic cables, power lines, and renewable energy infrastructure. Above, it encompasses floating production units, platforms, ports, and coastal facilities, each segment needing specific monitoring strategies.
