On 18 December 2025, VARD has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norway’s research institute NORCE, elevating their collaboration on maritime and subsea research and innovation to a strategic level.
The MoU covers design and construction, onboard and underwater maintenance, and drone technology for ships and subsea applications. A key focus is the planned standardized vessels of the Norwegian Navy. The partners also plan to pursue remote-control solutions for lean-manned vessels, zero-emission energy technologies, and the use of AI and cybersecurity solutions across the maritime sector. VARD added that the work will draw on its access to innovation initiatives within the Fincantieri group, where it is a key member.
Håvard Vollset Lien, VP Research and Innovation in VARD, said the companies have had productive cooperation over several years and are now lifting it to a strategic level, with NORCE described as an important partner as the maritime sector addresses upcoming challenges.
In the Ocean Charger project led by VARD, NORCE has analysed how different charging concepts affect operations, energy use, and costs for offshore vessels. NORCE has also assessed business models for implementing offshore charging in practice, including cost allocation and electricity pricing. The findings support VARD’s work on vessels and systems intended for electrified maritime operations, where energy flows, logistics, and economics must function together under demanding conditions.
NORCE and VARD are now also launching the PRESIFUEL project, which aims to improve the fuel measurement systems used on VARD’s vessels and provide reliable real-time insight into fuel consumption. The partners described this as a key component in enabling further development of energy optimisation solutions for customers. Kristin Flornes, CEO for Energy and Technology in NORCE, said the strengthened partnership is intended to create new knowledge and solutions relevant to the sector’s major challenges.
Separately, Vard Electro is a partner in the NORCE-led Horizon Europe project MARINER, involving 14 partners across Europe and starting in 2026. The project will develop and test 1 MW PEM fuel cells for long-duration operation of large vessels, and is intended to support zero-emission shipping, strengthen the EU’s capacity for domestic fuel supply, and contribute to clean technologies with applications across other sectors.
