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Testination Trondheim selected as new Katapult node

Testination Trondheim has been selected as a new Katapult node, solidifying Trondheim’s position as Norway’s leading technology hub. The node is expected to attract knowledge-based jobs to Trondheim and will offer marine companies access to cutting-edge test facilities. “A unique ecosystem is emerging in Nyhavna, where leading marine research institutions and universities collaborate with major industrial players and scaleups. With the new node, it will become easier to test and validate new technologies at reduced risk,” OceanTech CEO Bernt Schjetne says. The node will serve as a national centre for testing, developing, and implementing autonomous technologies for the ocean industries. It is part of DigiCat under the Norwegian Katapult program.

Job creation and test tourism

 

In 2016, the Trondheim Fjord became the world’s first full-scale test area for autonomous ships. However, despite Trondheim’s innovative capacity, the lack of access to infrastructure for marine technology testing has remained a major barrier.

"Unfortunately, this has compelled many startups to establish themselves in other cities, where facilities and industrial expertise are more readily available. As a result, Trondheim has lost valuable specialist skills and knowledge-based jobs," Schjetne explains.

"Having access to this infrastructure may help mitigate brain drain from Trondheim in an area where we have a competitive advantage," he adds.

OceanTech’s Subsea Test Centre is a key part of the node offering. Situated within walking distance of NTNU Ocean Lab, Blueye Robotics, Maritime Robotics, and SINTEF Ocean Basin, the facilities are well-suited for long-term testing of subsea equipment and underwater drones. Companies such as Siemens, AkerBP, Shell, ConocoPhillips, and Equinor have already used the centre, and it is now attracting interest from major players in Brazil, Australia, and the Middle East.

“The Subsea Test Centre is regularly visited by companies from abroad. There are few places that offer a wet dock right in the heart of a technology cluster. Importantly, these visits also generate income for the city through hotel stays, cultural activities, and dining,” Schjetne says.

OceanTech’s Subsea Test Centre

 

In addition to testing and refining equipment, tooling, and solutions, OceanTech’s Subsea Test Centre serves as a training ground for personnel preparing for offshore operations. Training in replica offshore environments that closely mirror actual offshore conditions enhances efficiency and safety.

The Subsea Test Centre offers:

  • A dry or wet dock (120 x 20 x 14 metres)
  • Two traversing cranes (25-tonne capacity)
  • Warm and cold storage facilities
  • Workshop for maintenance and servicing, including electrical work
  • Forklift
  • Office facilities to support all operational needs

There is convenient access for large trucks and sea vessels, including direct quay access. The dry dock features a high-capacity pump system, enabling it to be filled or emptied overnight.