About the centre
SFI Smart Ocean is a centre for research-based innovation, hosted by the Department of Physics and Technology at the University of Bergen.
We are creating a wireless, smart, low power sensor network providing data for fact-based and sustainable management of the ocean resources and industrial equipment and structures.
The data will provide valuable input to governmental regulators, the ocean industries and scientists working on value creation and environmental questions and climate changes.
We are still looking for additional end users from the ocean industries to join our centre. Their perspective and input are based on experience and ensure optimised focus and value creation for the ocean industries.
The technology
For ocean industry to coexist with nature in a secure and sustainable way, data and facts are needed.
Today, this is done through numerous measurements in the ocean, coastal areas and fjords, from ships, buoys and radio controlled or autonomous vehicles.
There is, however, a demand for real time measurements and long-term data collection, needed to do systematic monitoring of important parameters of critical underwater locations over time.
SFI Smart Ocean is developing a wireless observation network which will be able to give a warning in real time when something is happening under water. Whether it’s critical industry equipment or living conditions for sea life, data can be collected for both continuous status reports and long-term monitoring.
Areas of application
General uses
- Sensor technology for cost and CO2-efficient remote installation
- Communication- and network components for adaption and implementation
- Open technology; selected sensors are developed in the Centre, others can be added in various scenarios
- Generic technologies for integrity measurements
- Environmental monitoring sensors; gravimetric sensors, turbidity, oxygen, CO2, methane, pH, current, temperature, pressure, conductivity, noise
- Enabling technology for sustainable and cost-efficient remote operations
Petroleum industry
- Leak detection sensors for hydrocarbons and CO2
- Future additions: Stationary sensors for integrity monitoring of subsea structures and monitoring of process integrity
Aquaculture
- Integrity monitoring of marine structures and tension on mooring lines
Offshore wind power
- Acoustic sensors for integrity monitoring of turbine structures; cement grouting integrity, steel integrity, and monitoring of tension on mooring lines
- Distributed measurements of noise in the ocean and structural vibrations
Our partners
SFI Smart Ocean was started December 1st 2020 with a mission to develop a novel sensor- and communication system to secure sustainable ocean industry operation and fact-based ocean management. The diversity in the centre partners’ background and experience will be utilized to stimulate innovation within underwater sensor and network technology, as well as operational methods.
For an SFI to be successful, it is crucial to recruit partners with background in education and industrial R&D, ranging from large scale end users to SMEs.
This also includes student projects on all levels; bachelor, master and PhD students being engaged in different activities in the centre.
Get in touch
If you want to hear more about our centre or are interested in becoming a partner, please get in touch.
Department of physics and technology
University of Bergen
Allégaten 55, 5007 Bergen, Norway
