Norway has officially opened a new autonomous shipping test-bed situated in the coastal town of Horten.

The test-bed is expected to be used by the Norwegian Maritime Administration and Norwegian Coastal Administration to trial new technologies and vessels for autonomous shipping operations.

International organisations will also be able to use the space, which has been developed by Kongsberg in collaboration with the town of Horten, DNV GL, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and the University College of South East Norway.

"With critical developments in maritime autonomy technology and software taking place at Kongsberg Maritime in Horten, the location of the new test-bed will support a number of ground-breaking technology projects."

The new test-bed is situated adjacent to Kongsberg Maritime’s Horten facility and is designed to provide a convenient, safe and non-congested space to trial new maritime technologies.

Kongsberg Maritime president Egil Haugsdal said: “With critical developments in maritime autonomy technology and software taking place at Kongsberg Maritime in Horten, the location of the new test-bed will support a number of ground-breaking technology projects.

“Establishment of these test-beds are an important step, as it shows close co-operation between the people making the technology and vessels and the organisations developing the rules that will allow them to operate.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The newly opened Horten test-bed is the third facility of its kind in Norway the fourth such approved space in the world.

It was previously used by the GEBCO-NF Alumni Team last month to conduct technology readiness tests for their solutions as part of the $7m Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE.

Kongsberg has also been using the test-bed to develop its ongoing YARA Birkeland electric and autonomous containership, among other projects.