Equinor has opened the KNARR robotics centre at Kårstø in western Norway, giving developers access to an operating industrial site for trials of subsea drones, robotic systems and unmanned vessels.

The Kårstø Marine Robotics Centre opened on 28 October 2026 within the Kårstø processing complex in Tysvær. Funding allocated by Equinor and Gassco for its establishment totals NOK 16 million so far. Further facilities could be added to support additional functions.

Trials will span three designated areas, at depths of 25, 140 and 250 metres. A newly installed subsea cable, three kilometres long and equipped with supporting electronics, will enable prolonged sensor testing. Existing subsea structures, power cables and export pipelines also form part of the available test infrastructure, enabling work on technologies including distributed acoustic sensing (DAS).

KNARR will serve users across maritime sectors and complement existing centres focused on early-stage technology trials. Its work will cover development, testing and qualification. Applications include autonomous operations, environmental monitoring and technologies for inspecting, protecting and maintaining offshore installations.

Hege Skryseth, Equinor’s executive vice president for Technology, Digitalisation and Innovation, said work at the centre involves collaboration with suppliers, researchers and industry partners to advance offshore technology.

Norway’s Minister of Research and Higher Education, Eileen Fugelsnes, formally opened the facility.