• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
Sintef and VARD signed a strategic cooperation agreement to strengthen research, technological development, and innovation in future maritime solutions, with the aim of meeting the sector's needs in the energy transition and accelerating the development of more energy-efficient, digital, and competitive vessels and maritime systems.
Sintef is one of Europe's largest independent research institutes, with extensive experience in maritime technology, energy, digitalization, and industrial systems. The agreement formalizes a long-term collaboration between two leading players with shared ambitions to contribute to a more sustainable, digital, and competitive maritime industry.
The Norwegian maritime sector faces significant transformations driven by the need to reduce emissions, adopt new energy solutions, increase digitalization, and accelerate technological development. Through this cooperation agreement, the parties seek to strengthen the link between industry needs and knowledge derived from research.
"Sintef has the expertise and research infrastructure necessary for the green and digital transition taking place in the maritime sector. Therefore, it is logical for us to collaborate closely with key players in one of Norway's largest export industries," said Alexandra Bech Gjørv, CEO of Sintef.
This collaboration will help identify and carry out new research and innovation projects in areas of strategic importance for both organizations.
"For VARD, innovation and the ability to think in new ways are essential to maintain and further develop a competitive and sustainable maritime industry. For us, it is important that the research we conduct together with Sintef is based on our extensive experience and knowledge in shipbuilding, and that it is carried out in close collaboration with shipowners, technology providers, energy companies, and authorities. Therefore, the agreement with Sintef is a fundamental factor, both for VARD and for the continuous development of the maritime industry," said Cathrine Kristiseter Martí, CEO of VARD.
At the time of signing the agreement, five strategic areas of cooperation were prioritized: ship design; maritime energy and control systems; construction, outfitting, and commissioning of vessels; cranes, gangways, launch and recovery systems, and deck machinery; and the implementation of artificial intelligence in vessel data.
These areas represent an overlap between the technological priorities of VARD and Fincantieri and the interdisciplinary research expertise of Sintef, and will be further developed in line with market needs and technological development.
Sintef and VARD have collaborated for many years in research, innovation, and commercial product development through various projects with different technological areas and execution times. This collaboration has resulted in a series of innovations that can now be seen sailing the world's oceans.
"For us at Sintef, working with VARD on eight-year research programs is just as exciting as participating in a month-long model test. With mutual respect and trust as a basis, we challenge each other and find new solutions that drive technological development," stated Trond Vikan Johnsen, Market Manager at Sintef Ocean and Director of FME MarTrans.
Through this agreement with Sintef, VARD aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy in the maritime sector. "Innovation and development are fundamental pillars for us, and together with Sintef, we believe we can make a difference in key areas such as digitalization, electrification, energy-efficient designs, and low and zero-emission technologies," explained Håvard Vollset Lien, Group Director of Research and Innovation at VARD.
The cooperation agreement will, first and foremost, ensure that the existing collaboration between the parties is maintained and formalized. The next objective is to leverage the potential arising from the interaction between new entities within the respective groups.
