Kongsberg - Experts & Thought Leaders

Kongsberg Discovery, a pioneer in underwater robotics and sensor technologies, has unveiled Geomatics, a new digital product designed to transform how ocean data is captured, managed, and accessed. Vessels and shore-based teams Launched at Ocean Business 2025, the solution enables both traditional and uncrewed vessel operators to streamline data operations, unlock operational insights, and improve global collaboration between vessels and shore-based teams. Geomatics is the latest addition to Kongsberg Discovery’s Blue Insight ecosystem, delivering smarter data workflows and real-time visibility across diverse ocean sensor networks. Modern survey vessels Modern survey vessels, often operating as part of multi-platform fleets with AUVs and USVs As ocean activity accelerates and initiatives like the UN Decade of Ocean Science target efforts to map the seabed by 2030, the ability to manage vast volumes of complex data – across a myriad of sensors, formats and protocols - is more critical than ever. Modern survey vessels, often operating as part of multi-platform fleets with AUVs and USVs, generate massive data streams from a wide range of environmental, meteorological and acoustic sensors. Welcoming the ‘data librarian’ "Survey teams are busy enough without wrestling with incompatible formats and fragmented systems," comments Audun Berg, EVP of Kongsberg Discovery, adding "Geomatics takes the hassle out of data management, giving users a single, intuitive platform that lets them focus on the mission – simplifying complexity and optimising efficiency." Audun Berg continues, "Think of it as the perfect librarian for ocean data: one that makes sure all data is correctly filed, easy to find, and displayed clearly, for all relevant stakeholders. We see this as the revolution in data management operators need to meet increasingly ambitious surveying and research goals." Enabling smarter ocean operations Geomatics operates as the first Blue Insight product, collecting a suite of software services on the platform Geomatics operates as the first Blue Insight product, collecting a suite of software services on the platform to simplify ocean data management. There is a compelling range of headline benefits. These include centralised data collection and logging from all onboard and remote sensors, automatic cataloguing and indexing to prepare data for exploration and analysis, and seamless data distribution to mirrored cloud environments or other data management systems. Integration of digital twin technology Visualisation of data is a key strength - empowering easier, quicker and more powerful insights – with both real-time and historical data georeferenced in dashboards, maps, and time series viewers, and a high degree of customisation available (allowing users to filter and tailor displays according to specific needs). The Geomatics architecture is AI and machine learning ready, building a foundation for the integration of digital twin technology and further enhancing processing capabilities. A new Analytics product is also under development, allowing for automated processing and in-depth data analysis. Seamless collaboration Early adopters have already been putting Geomatics through its paces ahead of the wider market launch "Geomatics has been built to enable excellence in the demanding domain of ocean research and surveying," explains Audun Berg, adding "It adds huge value by streamlining data collection, delivering real-time dashboard insights, and making data globally accessible, empowering better collaboration. From environmental monitoring to large-scale seabed mapping, Geomatics takes the pain out of juggling huge quantities of data, for faster, more efficient and accurate ocean discoveries." Early adopters have already been putting Geomatics through its paces ahead of the wider market launch, with the solution now being rolled out to several research vessels, including R/V Anna Weber-van Bosse, operated by NIOZ, the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, and Statsraad Lehmkuhl for the One Ocean Expedition (OOE). Benefit from seamless data access Commenting on the latter, Geir Pedersen, Researcher and Member of OOE’s Scientific Committee, explains: "The One Ocean Expedition is once again setting sail and will be relying on Geomatics to catalogue the vast quantity of scientific data we collect with Statsraad Lehmkuhl." Geir Pedersen adds, "It’s vital to get a complete record of the data, while we keep control of data quality under the voyage. Researchers will benefit from seamless data access both onboard and onshore as they progress their vital work."   Kongsberg’s existing MDM product Survey and research teams can explore the platform by visiting this link and signing up for early access Geomatics is available from now. Survey and research teams can explore the platform by visiting this link and signing up for early access. As part of the roll-out, Kongsberg’s existing Marine Data Management (MDM) product will be merged into Geomatics. Existing customers will be offered an attractive migration package to upgrade to Geomatics, or continue with technical support for a limited time. Kongsberg Discovery’s stand at Ocean Business 2025 Those who want to experience Geomatics ‘face-to-face’ and discuss the innovation with domain experts can visit Kongsberg Discovery’s stand at Ocean Business 2025, N1/P2. The show is taking place now, 8-10 April, at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK.

Kongsberg Discovery is gearing up to make a splash at Ocean Business 2025, with high profile product demonstrations, a new digital innovation launch, and a range of domain experts on hand to help stakeholders navigate a future of ocean opportunity. The company, a global pioneer in advanced underwater robotics and sensor technology, will base itself at booth N1/P2 for the duration of the show, taking place 8-10 April at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK. Multibeam in action Kongsberg Discovery has teamed up with Saildrone to give insight into remote deep-water multibeam survey Demonstrations on all three days will showcase the EM2042 Multibeam Echosounder and Seapath 385 GNSS aided inertial navigation system onboard the Fugro FTV Xplorer vessel, in addition to dockside demos with the Flexview multibeam sonar deployed on a ROV for underwater infrastructure inspection and gas seep detection. Kongsberg Discovery has also teamed up with Saildrone to give delegates an insight into remote deep-water multibeam survey operations, with a real-time demonstration of a Saildrone Surveyor USV fitted with EM304 MKII sensors and software. Empowering developments Stene Førsund, EVP, Kongsberg Discovery, says it’ll add up to a “memorable three days for us, our partners and anyone that wants to get a taste of next generation ocean technology.” Førsund continues: “Ocean Business operates as a key hub for the ocean technology community, with a broad range of stakeholders congregating to experience innovation, share knowledge and build partnerships. For us, as an acknowledged leader in the segment, it’s a hugely important arena – both to showcase the potential of our solutions and to collaborate with others looking to empower informed, profitable and sustainable ocean development.” “We’re thrilled to be there in force, with a heavyweight team of in-house experts and some really exciting demonstrations. These will provide not only ‘first-hand’ insights into the ability of our technology, but also how we work hand-in-hand with our partners and customers for optimal results in demanding operations.” Meeting demands The Flexview demo showcases the compact multibeam sonar’s use in infrastructure inspection Each demonstration on board the Fugro vessel will last 45 minutes, with participants getting a chance to see the lightweight, robust and powerful EM 2042 in action, in conjunction with the high-precision Seapath 385, developed specifically for demanding hydrographic surveying. The Flexview demonstration, taking place dockside at set times on each day, reveals how the latest compact multibeam sonar technology can be implemented for trusted infrastructure inspection and gas seep detection. For delegates eager to experience the potential of remote operations, the Saildrone sessions on Wednesday and Thursday will show how Kongsberg Discovery’s deep-water multibeam sensors and software can be deployed to empower efficient, safe and high-quality autonomous surveying. Connecting with the future “We’re also planning on unveiling a new digital offering at the exhibition,” concludes Førsund. “This is another example of how we constantly innovate to meet market demand and create added value for our global customer base.” “Come along and chat with our expert team and you can find out more about out how we partner with users around the world to capture, process and utilise ocean data, enabling enhanced decision making, safe operations and truly game-changing ocean insights.”

As the supplier of marine coatings, Jotun partners with a broad range of stakeholders working to decarbonise shipping. But is the industry moving fast enough? Jotun’s President and CEO Morten Fon shares his views on how leadership, innovation and collaboration can accelerate the transition to a low carbon future. From his corner office on the seventh floor of Jotun’s Headquarters and R&D Centre, Morten Fon, Jotun’s President and CEO, has stunning views of the marine traffic going in and out of the port of Sandefjord, Norway. While the BREEAM-NOR-certified building is new (completed in 2020) Fon’s view would be familiar to the company’s founder, Odd Gleditsch sen., who established the company on the same piece of land in 1926. Reducing harmful emissions “Jotun’s roots in the maritime industry stretch back almost a century, so we have lived through a great many challenges in this highly cyclical industry,” he says. “But in my view, how the industry manages climate change over the next decade will have an enormous impact on how the industry operates for generations to come.” While Fon acknowledges that the industry still has a long way to go to reach IMO GHG targets (which call for a reduction in carbon intensity by at least 40 per cent by 2030 compared to 2008), he sees some encouraging signs of change. “In addition to embracing new technologies, more stakeholders than ever before are working in partnership on ambitious projects to reduce harmful emissions.” Commercialising alternative fuels Fon supports all these efforts, many of which are focussed on developing and commercialising alternative fuels for ships. But he notes that it will take time before the necessary infrastructure is in place to meet the existing demands of the world fleet. And time is running out. Morten Fon, President and CEO, Jotun said ”As a leader in hull performance, we are focussed on where we can make a difference,” he says. “After all, maintaining a cleaner hull with minimal fouling means a vessel has less resistance when sailing through water, reducing the amount fuel required to achieve the same speed. And less fuel burned results in lower emissions. But we also see we can have a greater impact by working with others.” Propeller performance standard “In fact, Jotun has a long history of collaboration. Many Jotun product innovations involve partnerships with owners and shipyards, while others involve cooperation with technical partners and relevant stakeholders in both the private and public sectors.” “For example, in 2013, Jotun helped form an ISO working group made of 53 experts to develop the industry’s first hull and propeller performance standard (ISO 19030), released in 2016. And last year, Jotun joined the Clean Hull Initiative (CHI), which aims to develop a global standard for proactive hull cleaning in international shipping.Creating standards gives owners the tools to measure performance,” says Fon. “And what can be measured can be managed.” Proactive hull cleaning solution As a pioneer in proactive hull cleaning, Jotun is a key partner in the CHI As a pioneer in proactive hull cleaning, Jotun is a key partner in the CHI. In fact, Jotun launched Hull Skating Solutions (HSS), the world first proactive hull cleaning solution, in 2020. HSS includes a remotely operated underwater hull cleaning unit (the Jotun HullSkater), which uses non-abrasive brushes to remove fouling before it can attach to the hull, without damaging the antifouling coating. To develop this technology, Jotun worked with a team of partners, including Kongsberg Maritime, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Semcon, Telenor and DNV. “HSS is a good example of how partnerships are key to developing unique solutions to help industry improve environmental performance,” he says. “HSS not only maintains an always clean hull it lowers the risk of spreading invasive species, which can wreak havoc on local marine eco-systems. Protection of biodiversity goes hand in hand with decarbonisation in the shipping industry, and both require a clean hull and attention to biofouling management.” Sharing standardised reports Fon is also encouraged by the industry’s embrace of data-driven services to improve performance. “Increasingly strict regulations, combined with growing pressure from cargo owners to lower emissions, have resulted in more focus on transparency,” he says. “To achieve compliance and become more competitive, owners have to be able to measure, record and share standardised reports on emissions and the condition of their hulls.” The ability to document regulatory compliance extends to protecting sensitive marine eco-systems The ability to document regulatory compliance extends to protecting sensitive marine eco-systems. “Many countries have become more sensitive to invasive species and will deny port access to vessels who cannot document a clean hull,” says Fon. “Good biofouling management policies and the tools to measure and report on performance, will help owners avoid the so called ‘dirty hull syndrome’, a growing issue for owners.” Offering enhanced services Fon says that with the launch of Jotun’s Hull Performance Solutions (HPS) in 2010, the company got an early start on developing its own digital services. “In addition to our premium hull coating SeaQuantum x200 and high-end technical service, HPS includes a performance-based guarantee, calculated using data taken from onboard sensors,” he explains. “Access to this data not only allowed us to verify HPS performance, it gave us some real insight into hull performance over time adding to our understanding and expertise.” With more than 1,400 HPS applications to date, Jotun now has the industry’s most extensive database on hull performance. “Based on data collected over a decade, we have developed advanced algorithms on hull efficiency to offer enhanced services, such as the Business Impact Calculator and Jotun Voyager, a decision support tool helping customers select the right hull coatings for individual trades,“ he says. Optimising hull performance “And last year, we launched HullKeeper, a digital platform to help ship operators optimise hull performance, using remotely operated inspection drones, ROVs and other technologies, regardless of the applied coating.“ When asked if all these investments in hull cleaning robots and digital services means Jotun is changing its business model, Fon laughs. “Never!” he says. “Everything we do supports our core offering: Marine coatings. That’s why we invested in one of the most advanced R&D facilities in Norway,” he adds, gesturing at the gleaming white building visible next door. “We have over 100 chemists working every day to develop next generation products to meet the evolving demands of the industry and remain committed to solving the industry challenges today, and tomorrow.” Improving energy efficiency Fon acknowledges that managing biofouling represents only a small piece of the decarbonisation puzzle Fon acknowledges that managing biofouling represents only a small piece of the decarbonisation puzzle. To achieve meaningful change, Fon believes owners need common global regulations and more support from the public sector to accelerate the green energy shift. In the meantime, owners would be wise to consider an “all of the above” approach to improving energy efficiency. “As we will see at Nor Shipping 2023, there are a lot of solutions out there but in my view, investing in premium hull coatings is ‘low hanging fruit’, especially now that regulations on emissions and biofouling guidelines are tightening and bunkering costs remain high,” he says. “Owners have to paint the hulls of their vessels anyway, so why not choose a hull coating that is not only proven to reduce fuel costs and corresponding emissions, but can help them compete for high value cargoes by keeping their CII ratings high?” Jotun hull performance coatings In fact, Jotun has calculated (based on EU MRV data) that HPS helps lower carbon intensity by an average of about 20 per cent per year, and, depending on the trade, can expect a return on investment in about the same time period. “Even when more expensive alternative fuels become available, clean hulls will help owners maintain operational efficiency and profitability and limit the risk of invasive species,” Fon says. “We calculated that in 2022 alone, ships using Jotun hull performance coatings avoided 7.9 million tonnes of C02 emissions, so the impact is significant.” Expensive alternative fuels Fon is realistic about the challenges that face the industry, but insists that leadership, innovation and collaboration are the way forward. “We see ourselves as part of the solution, but we also know that by working with other industry players, we can maximise our impact,” says Fon. “At Jotun, we are committed to being a part of the solution and Nor-Shipping is a great place to make new friends!”