The agreement encompasses topics such as design, construction, on board and underwater maintenance and drone technology for ships and subsea technology, with particular focus on the planned standardized vessels of the Norwegian Navy.
Furthermore, remote control solutions for lean-manned vessels, zero-emission energy technologies, and application of AI and cybersecurity solutions for the maritime sector will be major topics to pursue for VARD and NORCE. This partnership will also benefit from VARD’s access to the many innovation initiatives developed inside the Fincantieri group. VARD is a key member of the large global shipbuilding group, which is heavily investing in the most advanced fields of research and technology development.
-We have experienced fruitful cooperation with NORCE over several years, and we are now very pleased to lift this cooperation to a strategic level. There are many challenges ahead in the maritime sector and NORCE will be an important partner for VARD in the years ahead, says VP Research and Innovation in VARD, Håvard Vollset Lien
In the ongoing Ocean Charger project, led by VARD, NORCE has analysed how different charging concepts affect operations, energy use and costs for offshore vessels. NORCE has also assessed business models for how offshore charging can be implemented in practice, including cost allocation and electricity pricing. This insight supports VARD in developing vessels and systems that enable electrified maritime operations, where energy flows, logistics and economics must work seamlessly under demanding conditions.
NORCE and VARD are now also launching the PRESIFUEL project. The aim of the project is to improve the fuel measurement systems used on VARD’s vessels, providing reliable real-time insight into fuel consumption. This is a key component in enabling VARD to further develop energy optimisation solutions for its customers.
-This marks an important step in our collaboration with VARD. VARD has been a key partner in our research efforts to enable a greener maritime future, and we are pleased to further strengthen our partnership. Together, we can create new knowledge and develop solutions that will help address the major challenges facing the maritime sector in the years ahead, says Kristin Flornes, CEO for Energy and Technology in NORCE.
Vard Electro is also a partner in the groundbreaking NORCE-led Horizon Europe project MARINER, involving 14 partners from across Europe and starting in 2026. The project will develop and test 1 MW PEM fuel cells for long-duration operation of large vessels. MARINER will play an important role in enabling zero-emission shipping, strengthening the EU’s capacity for domestic fuel supply, and contributing to the development of new clean technologies that can also be applied across other sectors.
About NORCE
NORCE is one of Norway’s largest independent research institutes, with around 800 employees across eight cities in Norway and a history back to 1930. The institute conducts research in energy, health, climate, environment, society and technology, and contributes to addressing complex societal challenges through research and innovation.
We support transformation in the public sector, industry and business, in close collaboration with universities, clusters and centres of excellence. Our strong regional presence gives us in-depth knowledge of local communities and contexts, enabling us to ground our research in real-world conditions and experience. At the same time, our breadth of expertise, knowledge and networks gives NORCE strong national and international impact. www.norceresearch.no
About VARD
VARD is one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels. Headquartered in Norway and with approximately 7,000 employees, VARD operates shipbuilding facilities in Norway, Romania, Brazil, and Vietnam. Through its specialized subsidiaries, VARD develops power and automation systems, deck handling equipment, and vessel accommodation solutions, and provides design and engineering services to the global maritime industry.
VARD’s long shipbuilding traditions, cutting-edge innovation and technology coupled with its global operations and track record in constructing complex and highly customized vessels have earned it recognition from industry players and enabled it to build strong relationships with its customers.
Fincantieri Oil & Gas S.p.A, a wholly owned subsidiary of FINCANTIERI S.p.A. Headquartered in Trieste, Italy, is majority shareholder of VARD with around 98 % of the shares. FINCANTIERI is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, and a global leader in cruise ship design and reference player in all high-tech shipbuilding industry sectors. With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, the Group today has a production network of 18 shipyards operating in four continents and over 20,000 employees. www.vard.com
