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blue maritime cluster

- global centre of expertise

For many generations the Maritime Cluster in Møre has been a pioneer in technology development and operations at
sea. It began with the development of a modern fi shing fl eet, then came the activities connected to offshore oil and
gas. As the cluster now ventures into the era of digital connectivity, a new chapter is added to our history.

A World-Class
Maritime Cluster
Most of Norway’s strength in the fi eld of
advanced marine operations is concentrated
within an hour’s drive from the picturesque
town of Ålesund on the country’s west
coast. The region is home to an impressive
constellation of over 220 leading maritime
companies and training, research and
fi nance institutions that form one of very few
complete maritime clusters in the world.
Due to its leading position and its strong
global presence, the cluster was awarded
the prestigious status as Global Centre of
Expertise (GCE) by the Norwegian govern-
ment. GCE is the top level in the Norwegian Photo: Rolls-Royce Marine
cluster program and a national status
awarded by the government to the most
global and rapidly growing industry clusters.

Global Presence Storfjorden Test Site for their newly built vessels.
- Global Attraction for Autonomous Ships Per Erik Dalen, CEO of GCE
The cluster operates globally and its A consortium led by GCE Blue Blue Maritime states that: “The
companies and products are known Maritime, The Norwegian Coastal area is important for national and
world-wide. While most of the companies Administration and the Norwegian international enterprises that are at
of the cluster are home-bread, an Maritime Authority have signed the forefront of maritime and marine
increasing number of major international an agreement paving the way for technology development and need
players, such as Rolls-Royce Marine, Storfjorden and its associated side somewhere to perform full-scale
Inmarsat, VARD Fincantieri or Bourbon, fjords to become a test site for the pilot testing.”
are seeking their place in the cluster. remotely controlled, autonomous The amount and variety of sea-going
The cluster’s winning mix is a high ships of the future. Storfjorden is traffi c makes it an excellent place to
pace of innovation, prototype orientation, ideally situated in close proximity test how new technologies perform
competition, informal communication, to no less than 14 shipyards and under real-life conditions. In addition,
cooperation, and unique know-how within 20 shipping companies, several a number of sensors have recently
the fi eld of advanced marine operations for of which already use this area to been installed to measure winds and
the global ocean industry. conduct pre-commissioning trials sea currents in the test area.

GCE Blue Maritime Cluster, ÅKP AS
Borgundvegen 340
NO-6009 Ålesund
Phone: +47 70 32 92 00
Email: post@ncemaritime.no
http://www.bluemaritimecluster.no/gce

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