Norway has approved 100 million NOK in funding for a new research centre dedicated to artificial intelligence in shipping. Led by NTNU, the centre will bring together industry, academia, and government to strengthen digital innovation in the maritime sector.
Norway is establishing the world’s first national research centre for artificial intelligence in the maritime sector, backed by 100 million NOK in funding over the next five years. The Norwegian Maritime AI Centre, led by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), will focus on developing new technologies and driving digital innovation for shipping and ocean industries.
Announcing the initiative, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss underlined the urgency of adopting new tools. “The Norwegian maritime industry is among the world’s best, and we must quickly adopt new technologies to maintain our position. Artificial intelligence will revolutionize multiple sectors, including the highly competitive and rapidly changing maritime industries,” she said.
The centre will operate as a cross-sector collaboration, involving academia, industry leaders, public institutions, and international partners. Key participants include the University of Oslo, SINTEF Nordvest, Kongsberg Gruppen, Equinor, and DNV. Organizations such as the Ocean Autonomy Cluster, Maritimt Forum Midt-Norge, Testination, and Fremtidens Industri are also part of the partnership.
Industry representatives welcomed the news. “It’s fantastic to be part of the consortium awarded the Maritime AI Centre! This means more resources that our members can utilize and a further strengthening of the capabilities within Testination,” said Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Leader of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster and Head of Testination.
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Ellen Weidemann, Head of Maritimt Forum Midt-Norge, also expressed optimism. “We are enthusiastic about the potential of the Norwegian Maritime AI Centre to accelerate digital transformation in the maritime industry and look forward to a productive and impactful collaboration,” she said.
According to the Ministry, the centre’s mission will be to advance applied AI research with practical applications in navigation, safety, logistics, and sustainable operations. By linking researchers with companies and public authorities, it aims to ensure that Norway remains a leader in maritime technology as global competition intensifies.
The initiative reflects a broader push in Norway to combine traditional maritime expertise with cutting-edge technology. With the sector facing pressures from climate regulations, global trade shifts, and digital disruption, stakeholders see AI as a key tool for keeping the country’s shipping industry competitive.
