VARD a part of world’s first Maritime AI Center
The Norwegian Maritime AI Center will receive a total of NOK 100 million from The Research Council of Norway over five years and will start up in the beginning of 2026.
22. October 2025
The center will be led by NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) and will develop technology and increase innovation for maritime actors through increased use of artificial intelligence. The research will focus on developing technologies and applications that can reduce the environmental footprint as well as increasing operability and safety of ship operations.
Relevant to VARD's core business
Vice President in Research & Innovation in VARD, Håvard Vollset Lien says:
- Being a part of the AI center is highly relevant to VARD, as it encompasses topics and challenges that are core business for the group, and offers opportunities to work together with our competitors, our customers and research institutions to find solutions for todays and tomorrow’s challenges. This topic is highly relevant for VARD’s ships and products, but it also requires us to work more closely together with our IT and Cyber departments than before.
The Norwegian Maritime AI Center has been granted the status of a national research center for applied artificial intelligence (AI) in the maritime sector.
VARD's contribution to the center as a partner
- Providing technical and business support as required
- Following the development of the project by active participation of employees in project meetings and workshops in the use cases provided
- Providing results of independent studies related to subjects of interest
- Providing financial support
Other partners
Research environment
University of Oslo, Oslo School of Architecture and Design, Norwegian Defence University College FHS, Sintef Nordvest AS, Norwegian Meteorological Institute, Norwegian Mapping Authority.
Industry
Vard Group AS, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Equinor ASA, Dnv AS, Brunvoll AS, Dipai AS, Ulstein International AS, Corvus Energy AS, Astrup Fearnley Code AS, Susteni AS, Breeze Ship Design AS, Osc AS, Inmarsat Solutions AS, Remota AS, Havila Holding AS, Reach Subsea AS, Tärntank Ship Management AB, Klaveness AS, Utkilen AS, Vake AS, Electronic Chart Centre AS.
Others
Fremtidens Industri AS, Norwegian Shipowners' Association, Norwegian Maritime Authority, Åkp AS, Norwegian Coastal Administration, Maritime Forum Central Norway, Maritime Cleantech, Sustainable Energy AS, Testination AS, Norwegian Seamen's Association, Navy, Norwegian Armed Forces Operational Headquarters Foh.
About VARD
VARD is a subsidiary of Fincantieri - one of the world's largest shipbuilding groups. Fincantieri holds a strong presence in key markets also thanks to the internalization of high value added, distinctive technologies; it is also a leader in sustainable innovation and in the digital transformation of the shipbuilding sector. The company is active in the field of mechatronics, electronics, and digital naval systems, as well as in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and marine interiors solutions.
The group creates synergies for all subsidiaries.
