Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg had the pleasure of opening the Norwegian Ocean Laboratory at Marineholmen in Bergen 30 mai. The laboratory will host world-class research infrastructure and facilitate collaborative cross-border technology development for ocean research.

13315626_1712324612350793_8108294588910751725_n Bergen institutes host several national research infrastructures. Several of these will be combined in the Norwegian Ocean Laboratory to strengthen the clusters world-class deep-marine research capability. Important activities include mapping of marine mineral resources, bioprospecting, establishing fish quota, monitor climate change and possible effects of petroleum activities. 

A Creativity Laboratory

Engineers, researcher and students from both industry and universities will work closely together to develop the next generation integrated monitoring technology and methodology. The locations will be used to maintain and mobilise equipment for a wide range of test cruises. The facility will also include offices and will operate the new ocean observatory in Lofoten-Vesterålen.

– The lab is in the core of the GCE Subsea strategy, creating a joint innovation platform to establishing new projects, solutions and companies says Jon O. Hellevang, Senior Subsea Innovator in GCE Subsea.

About the Laboratory

The laboratory is initiated by the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research (IMR). The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) has become partner, and Bergen University College and Christian Michelsen Research are about to join.

The University of Bergen (UiB) hosts important national R&D infrastructures such as National Marine Robotics Facility and Norwegian Atlantic Current Observatory. This includes a state-of-the art Remotely Operating Vehicle (ROV) that can operate down to 6,000 meters depths as well as several Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and gliders.

The Institute of Marine Research operates six research vessels that are important platforms for testing new technology, supporting annual marine mapping missions and a wide range of international R&D projects.

Source: GCE Subsea