R&D projects

Møre Ocean Lab

The Møre Ocean Lab project is a visionary initiative aimed at establishing a full-scale test laboratory for marine and maritime research and industry.

closeup photo of turned-on blue and white laptop computer

R&D projects

Møre Ocean Lab

The Møre Ocean Lab project is a visionary initiative aimed at establishing a full-scale test laboratory for marine and maritime research and industry.

closeup photo of turned-on blue and white laptop computer

R&D projects

Møre Ocean Lab

The Møre Ocean Lab project is a visionary initiative aimed at establishing a full-scale test laboratory for marine and maritime research and industry.

closeup photo of turned-on blue and white laptop computer

Project time period

2023–2024

Lead

SINTEF Northwest

Partners

NTNU, Runde Environmental Center, GCE Blue Maritime Cluster

Total Budget

750,000 NOK

Funding

MR County - Creative Power

This groundbreaking endeavor, led by NTNU Ålesund and in collaboration with esteemed partners such as SINTEF, Runde Environmental Centre, and GCE Blue Maritime Cluster, seeks to advance interdisciplinary collaboration across the marine and maritime sectors. The project has already launched several significant initiatives, including the "Digital Ocean Space" project, which received substantial funding from the Research Council of Norway to support the development of essential infrastructure.

A key component of this infrastructure includes a larger workboat designed for future autonomous operations and a sophisticated land-based control center being developed at NTNU in Ålesund. The project also incorporates the deployment of measuring buoys and sensors in the surrounding ocean areas to enhance research capabilities. Additional projects under the Møre Ocean Lab umbrella involve sensor-equipped fish farms, marine monitoring efforts, and the transition of scaled experiments to full-scale trials, alongside designating the lab as a test area for autonomous ships.

The Møre Ocean Lab stands out due to its unique geographical location, offering a rich biodiversity and a variety of marine ecosystems within a small area, from deep fjords to exposed coastlines. This diversity, coupled with the area's significant plastic pollution issue, makes the lab an ideal platform for developing sustainable, green technology aimed at preserving and restoring this unique ecosystem.

Beyond research, Møre Ocean Lab's strategic position within one of the world's most complete and advanced ocean-oriented business clusters amplifies its potential as a hub for maritime innovation. The project's focus on digitization and the implementation of new technologies promises to accelerate innovation within the industry, making Møre Ocean Lab a catalyst for future growth and development in the maritime sector.

Contact person

Knut Tore Aurdal

Head of Projects and Innovation, Blue Maritime Cluster

Knut Tore Aurdal

Head of Projects and Innovation, Blue Maritime Cluster

Knut Tore Aurdal

Head of Projects and Innovation, Blue Maritime Cluster

Postal and visiting address

Borgundvegen 340, 6009 Ålesund

© 2025 Ålesund Knowledge Park. All Rights Reserved

Postal and visiting address

Borgundvegen 340, 6009 Ålesund

© 2025 Ålesund Knowledge Park. All Rights Reserved

Postal and visiting address

Borgundvegen 340, 6009 Ålesund

© 2025 Ålesund Knowledge Park. All Rights Reserved