Kongsberg - Experts & Thought Leaders

Subsea pipelines, power cables, offshore platforms, and sensor arrays have become critical to modern society — and increasingly vulnerable. The Joint Declaration of Baltic Sea Security, signed on 20 November, provides a platform for regional collaboration and protection. KONGSBERG welcomes this initiative. The 2022 sabotage of gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea marked a turning point: maritime infrastructure is no longer seen as a passive utility, but as a strategic asset at risk of disruption. The Joint Baltic Declaration on Security in the Baltic Sea was signed on November 20 by the Norwegian State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen, in the presence of the Polish Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Positive and hopeful for action Arne Rinnan, Kongsberg Discovery's Executive Vice President for Strategy and Technology, welcomes the declaration and hopes for further action. “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,” he says. Land-based and satellite sensors surveillance He explains that the Oslofjord Test Bed integrates subsea autonomy, land-based and satellite sensors surveillance, traffic monitoring, real-time advanced analytics and decision support into one scalable system — redefining how nations and industries protect their underwater infrastructure. “I see this declaration as a goal to pursue additional measures. 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?” Rinnan says. KONGSBERG to become industrial partner According to an official statement by the Norwegian State Secretary, Marte Gerhardsen, the declaration marks an important step towards closer cooperation and strengthened preparedness in the region. In addition, on the same day, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace became part of The Green Industrial District – Kashubia Project in Poland, agreeing with local authorities to establish operations related to the project. "This is a good example of how Norway and our partners are committed to strengthening Europe's security through both diplomacy and industry", Gerhardsen said. Declaration for securing cooperation and security The declaration, which has now been signed by Norway, aims to: Strengthen military cooperation between the countries in the region to improve defense preparedness Improve interoperability and conduct joint exercises and mobilisation capacity Ensure common democratic values, rule of law and human rights in the face of security threats Increase stability and security in the Baltic Sea region, especially in view of geopolitical tensions and threats from Russia Promote regional cooperation and contribute to stronger European security Critical maritime infrastructure covers a wide and complex landscape. Below the surface, this includes subsea oil/gas wellheads and risers, gas pipelines, fibre-optic communications cables, high-voltage power lines and renewables installations. Above the surface, it extends to floating production units, platforms, ports and other coastal facilities. Each element serves a vital function in energy security, economic continuity and national resilience – and each requires tailored, domain-specific monitoring.

Kongsberg Discovery and Aker Solutions are joining forces to showcase a drone (UAV) detection system in Stavanger, using Kongsberg’s Drone Detection Radar. This marks the beginning of a broader rollout of infrastructure products in the North Sea to enhance situational awareness around offshore assets and transit lanes. Kongsberg Discovery develops subsurface, acoustic, navigation, and marine robotics systems, including AUVs and USVs. The company’s technologies are used in navigation and infrastructure protection, offering products such as Drone Detection Radar, Mobile Broadband Radio, integrated camera systems, and acoustic solutions for subsea monitoring and surveillance. Integrated energy solutions Kongsberg Discovery and Aker Solutions plan to implement the drone detection system in phases Aker Solutions brings integrated energy solutions, enabling low-carbon oil & gas and advancing renewables like offshore wind, CCS, and hydrogen. Kongsberg Discovery and Aker Solutions plan to implement the drone detection system in phases, starting with a demonstrator at Aker Solutions at the Stavanger site to showcase to potential customers. The system will then be deployed offshore and gradually expanded with camera clusters and underwater sensors to enhance situational awareness. Enhancing situational awareness According to Joachim Hovland, Head of Drones and Robotics in Aker Solutions, this cooperation sets a new standard: “This collaboration marks the beginning of a scalable solution to enhance situational awareness at critical infrastructure, offshore and onshore. By combining Kongsberg Discovery’s technology expertise with Aker Solutions’ integration and domain knowledge, we are setting a new standard for safety and security at sea.” Later phases include installation on supply vessels, integration with onshore control centres, broader rollout across rigs and vessels, and eventual expansion to other countries. Aker Solutions will act as system integrator, with Kongsberg Discovery as sub-supplier, and the demonstrator will be available for joint customer presentations. Drone detection system According to Cato Giil Eliassen, VP Infrastructure in Kongsberg Discovery, recent incidents again show the need for establishing a drone detection system in connection with critical infrastructure: “There have been many observations of drones close to critical infrastructure in the last couple of years. Few are properly documented. This cooperation between Aker Solutions and Kongsberg Discovery will provide the end customer with proper tools to monitor, record and document illegal, as well as legal, UAV activity around installations.”

Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract with REACH Subsea ASA for the design, construction, and delivery of two additional unmanned surface vessels (USVs), expanding the pioneering REACH REMOTE fleet. The vessels will be based on Kongsberg Maritime’s UT5208 design, a purpose-built 24-metre platform engineered for remote and autonomous offshore operations. This agreement follows the success of REACH REMOTE 1 and 2, with the first vessel recently completing a series of fully remote-controlled offshore deployments off the coast of Norway. REACH REMOTE 1 was also named “Ship of the Year 2024” at the maritime exhibition SMM, highlighting its role as a trailblazer in sustainable maritime innovation. Full shipbuilding contract Kongsberg Maritime will again deliver the vessels to REACH Subsea under a full shipbuilding contract In a shift from traditional shipbuilding models, Kongsberg Maritime will again deliver the vessels to REACH Subsea under a full shipbuilding contract. Kongsberg Maritime have subcontracted the construction of the USV to a shipyard subject to Kongsberg Maritime design, supply chain management, systems integration, commissioning, and final delivery. This new way of working is particularly well-suited to projects with fleet-scale potential, offering greater efficiency, quality assurance, and speed to market. Remote and autonomous technologies Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, said: "This contract reflects a growing industry confidence in remote and autonomous technologies.” “The success of REACH REMOTE 1 has proven that remote operations are not only viable, but they’re also transformative. By delivering these vessels, we ensure seamless integration of our advanced systems and a streamlined path to deployment. The REACH REMOTE concept is not just a technological achievement; it’s a glimpse into the future of offshore operations." Collaboration with Reach Subsea Ronny Pål Kvalsvik, VP Sales Ship Design, at Kongsberg Maritime, added: “We are proud to continue our collaboration with Reach Subsea - a repeat client for ship design and a company at the forefront of maritime innovation.” “Their pioneering work with Uncrewed Surface Vessels, such as the Reach Remote platform, exemplifies the future of sustainable and remote offshore operations. Partnering with a visionary organisation like Reach Subsea reinforces our shared commitment to safer, smarter, and more efficient marine solutions.” “This project is part of a broader industry shift toward smarter, greener, and more autonomous maritime operations. The REACH REMOTE fleet demonstrates how Norwegian innovation is transforming offshore services, reducing environmental impact while enhancing operational capability.” Ocean robotics Reach Subsea holds several exclusive options for additional vessels under the REACH REMOTE programme, supporting long-term cooperation to develop a future where ocean robotics is fully integrated into subsea operations. Jostein Alendal, CEO of REACH Subsea, added: “The Reach Remote programme is a cornerstone of our strategy to redefine subsea operations.” “By combining our subsea expertise with the naval capabilities of Kongsberg Maritime and Massterly, we are delivering real-world solutions that are safer, smarter, and more sustainable. With vessels 3 and 4 now confirmed, we are entering the scale-up phase—ready to meet global demand and shape the future of remote subsea services.” Range of integrated systems and technologies The scope of supply from Kongsberg Maritime is extensive, with a wide range of integrated systems  The scope of supply from Kongsberg Maritime is extensive, with a wide range of integrated systems and technologies. This includes advanced automation and navigation systems, situation awareness solutions, manoeuvring and thruster control, low-voltage switchboards, energy storage modules, and equipment for ROV and hydrographic operations. The delivery also covers ship design and engineering, project management, and telecom systems including ship-to-shore connectivity. Joint venture Massterly, a joint venture between Kongsberg Maritime and Wilhelmsen, will manage the remote navigation and vessel operations from Remote Vessel Operations Centres. Reach Subsea will manage the subsea mission execution, including remote control of ROVs, data collection and processing. These operations are supported by a remote architecture developed by Reach Subsea in close collaboration with clients, integrating ocean robotics technologies to enable safe and efficient subsea services from shore-based control centres.