The ocean plays a crucial role in solving global climate, food, and security challenges, and Kongsberg is a global leader in advanced robotics and sensor technology to map, monitor, and understand the ocean space. This technology will be part of a new business area called Kongsberg Discovery.
“Oceans cover 70% of the earth’s surface. It controls the weather and temperature, distributes heat across the globe, and is the answer to some of the most significant challenges we currently face. Sustainable management of the oceans requires knowledge and data about the health of the oceans, while critical infrastructure above and below water is an important prerequisite for sustainable development,” said Geir Håøy, CEO of the technology group Kongsberg.
Towards new ocean mapping solutions and technology
Formerly a division under Kongsberg Maritime, Sensors and Robotics is now being separated and established as a separate business area called Kongsberg Discovery. With over a thousand employees located in Horten, Trondheim, and Oslo in Norway, as well as offices in Spain, the UK, the USA, Canada, Singapore, and Malaysia, Kongsberg Discovery will focus on developing new solutions and technology with significant growth opportunities within fisheries, marine research, marine operations, ocean-based energy production, and infrastructure monitoring.
“The mapping and monitoring of the world’s oceans are in an early phase, and we are still at the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Together with the rest of Kongsberg, Kongsberg Discovery can develop new solutions and technology with significant growth opportunities within fisheries, marine research, marine operations, ocean-based energy production, and infrastructure monitoring that the world needs,” commented Håøy.
Advanced hydrographic technology
Kongsberg Discovery will be led by Martin Wien Fjell, who has held several management positions in Kongsberg over the past ten years and has led Global Customer Support in Kongsberg Maritime since 2017. Fjell stated that “Kongsberg Discovery encompasses extensive and world-leading technology within hydro acoustics, robotics, inertial navigation, positioning, laser, radar, and communication, blended with deep application know-how and software. By establishing Kongsberg Discovery as a separate business area, our ambition is to facilitate further growth based on this core competency.”
In 2022, Kongsberg Discovery delivered revenues of NOK 2.998 billion and reported more than NOK 3.5 billion in order intake. As of the first quarter of 2023, Kongsberg Discovery will report separate financials.
“The establishment of Kongsberg Discovery as a separate business area will also strengthen Kongsberg Maritime’s focus on core business such as a system integrator. Kongsberg Maritime has delivered strong results over time and with further opportunities ahead, especially with the strong focus on decarbonisation within the maritime industry. Kongsberg Maritime’s advanced technology and broad insight into marine operations will give customers real value from their technology investments. As a technology provider, it is our duty to ensure that we are a part of securing the ocean for future generations,” said Håøy.
The Sounder USV system is engineered for optimal hydroacoustic performance, thanks to its distinctive hull design. (Image courtesy: Kongsberg)
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