Workshop – Ocean Technologies
The month of August ended with a workshop on Ocean Technologies in Bergen (at VilVite), hosted by GCE Ocean Technology and SFI Smart Ocean. The workshop was also in collaboration with SFI Offshore Mechatronics, CGE Node and NORCE. A week earlier a similar workshop had been held in “Sørlandets Teknologipark” in Grimstad.
The aim of these two gatherings was to explore new possibilities for the continuation of research areas that SFI Offshore Mechatronics has worked on. This SFI is ending in 2023, but the issues surrounding operation and maintenance for the offshore and maritime sector are still just as relevant and should be able to provide a basis for new applications and collaboration between the partners and possibly new actors. SFI Smart Ocean also wanted input on opportunities to expand its activity and get input on the need for sensors and communication solutions in the ocean.
It was approx. 50 participants at the gathering in Bergen. The first part of the program focused on the SFIs’ activities, but there was also a push towards new activities and needs from the industry. Aanderaa (Xylem) and Bouvet gave good input on measurement technology, data analysis and presentation. We then received very useful and concrete descriptions of the challenges various industries have linked to development, operation and maintenance. Odfjell Oceanwind presented its investment in offshore wind with challenges related to floating installations with increasingly large turbines. Adepth Minerals held an exciting lecture on completely new opportunities for extracting rare minerals from the seabed, and Equinor shared its thoughts on CO2 storage in reservoirs, but also presented challenges related to the entire value chain. We also received very specific wishes and needs from the aquaculture industry represented at Bremnes Seashore. They want wireless sensors that have the least possible impact on operations and the fish’s environment, while larger constructions and closed facilities require even more sensors to ensure optimal growth conditions.
The meeting ended with group work where the participants were asked 3 questions related to sensors, communication, automation, maintenance, data quality and sharing of data. Now we in the SFIs have to go through all the groups’ contributions (both from participants in Grimstad and Bergen), and the aim is that these contributions should provide a basis for new and expanded research into challenges and new opportunities for the marine industries.
We wish to thank everybody who participated in the workshops for their inputs and constructive dialogs, and hope we can continue the joint efforts for further developing the ocean technologies!