Norway establishes coastal research centre and advances autonomous underwater robots

Nordlandsforskning has created the MEA – Research Centre for Sea and Coastal Communities, funded with a total framework of NOK 12.4 million for an initial three‑year period. Nordland County contributes NOK 6 million, with the remainder coming from internal and external sources. The centre will pilot new solutions in Helgeland, Lofoten and Salten, aiming to generate knowledge, jobs and climate‑adaptation measures for municipalities, businesses and local residents. Center leader Maiken Bjørkan said, “The best solutions are found when research, experience and practice meet.”

At the same time, researchers at NTNU and partner institutions have demonstrated autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with a docking station at 90 metres depth. The prototype, built around a Blueye X3 platform, can operate for months without surface support, charging and transmitting data via the dock. Professor Martin Ludvigsen highlighted that such robots could lower inspection costs, improve safety for seafarers and protect seabed infrastructure amid rising hybrid‑warfare threats. The tests are seen as a key step toward fully autonomous, long‑term seabed monitoring and inspection systems.