In the bustling port city of Trondheim, a unique collaboration turned 20 this week, and it’s got the maritime industry buzzing. The University Technology Centre (UTC) “Performance in a Seaway” has been the unsung hero behind some of the most innovative developments in maritime technology. This isn’t just about celebrating two decades; it’s about looking ahead and asking, “What’s next?”
The UTC model, originally developed by Rolls-Royce, has been a game-changer. It’s not about quick fixes or short-term gains. It’s about taking a long-term perspective, something that Monica Rolfsen, Pro-Rector for Societal Engagement and Communication at NTNU, drives home. “Our collaboration with the industry is part of our DNA,” she asserts. This isn’t just lip service; it’s a commitment that’s borne fruit in spades.
Take, for instance, the early days when azimuth thrusters were giving everyone a headache. Costly warranty claims and legal disputes were the order of the day. But through extensive simulations and model testing at NTNU and SINTEF Ocean, the industry partners got to the root of the problem. The result? A prototype that’s been running smoothly on the research vessel Gunnerus since 2015. That’s not just innovation; that’s problem-solving at its finest.
But the UTC isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about pushing boundaries. From propellers to autonomy, the challenges have been many, and the solutions have been groundbreaking. The ROV Revolution is a testament to this. What started as a research project is now on the verge of becoming an industrial adventure. Reach Remote, the world’s first remotely operated unmanned vessel, is a game-changer. It’s not just about reducing emissions by 90%; it’s about reimagining offshore operations.
So, what does the future hold? Bjørn Jalving, CTO of Kongsberg Maritime, has a clear vision. “We must reinvent ourselves to avoid dying,” he says. It’s a stark reminder that in the maritime industry, standing still is not an option. The focus is on autonomy, zero emissions, and controlled use of AI. It’s about understanding the ocean better and building systems that can operate in the roughest conditions.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about Kongsberg or NTNU. This is about the entire maritime industry. The UTC model has shown that collaboration is key. It’s about bringing together different disciplines, different perspectives, and different expertise. It’s about understanding that the devil is in the transitions – between hydrodynamics and control systems, between hull, propeller, and navigation.
The UTC has been a beacon of this collaborative spirit for 20 years. And as we look to the future, the question isn’t just about what’s next for the UTC. It’s about what’s next for the maritime industry. How can we push boundaries? How can we innovate? How can we collaborate better? The answers lie in the waves, and the UTC is leading the charge to find them. So, buckle up, maritime industry. The future is here, and it’s looking mighty exciting.