Marine Systems

The Marine Systems Group teaches and does research on all major aspects of marine systems, such as machinery, maritime transport systems, offshore oil and gas installations, and offshore energy production systems. We focus on system design and operation, as well as interaction and adaptation to the surroundings in a total life cycle perspective.

 The prioritized research areas are:

1. Risk and safety management of marine systems
2. Multi-Level Design of complex marine systems
3. Design and verification of complex energy systems
4. Sustainable Arctic Shipping

The current three main industry segments addressed by the group, namely shipping, offshore oil & gas, and fisheries & aquaculture, are the three largest exporting sectors in Norway. In addition to being of prime importance to the Norwegian economy, all three sectors have an international reputation of being at the technological forefront.

Systems Design and Logistics

A central topic is sustainable ship transport, relating both to the increased energy efficiency of ships, and the reduction of harmful emissions. This problem is addressed on all system levels, including the logistics (DESIMAL), fleet (MARFLIX), vessel (SHIP-4C) and machinery (new KMB application February 2011).

Optimization based methods is one methodological cornerstone of the group. Optimization based approaches are central in securing good/appropriate/optimal resource utilization, which are becoming more and more important to reach the required lowering of costs and for example carbon footprints. At the same time we have to be aware so that we do not ‘hyper-optimize' the systems so that we cross the threshold so that the systems become vulnerable.

Risk and safety are key aspects in the group's research. Development and operation of complex marine systems introduce major risks to the system itself, as well as risks to operators and the society as a whole. New technological solutions that, for example, aim at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and other types of pollution, as well as the dependence on non-renewable energy consumption, cannot be developed without taking all risks into consideration. In addition, the increased focus on exploration of environmentally sensitive regions, such as the Arctic, places additional focus not only on the safety of human beings, but also on the protection of the environment. 

Ship machinery

The increased focus on environmental impact from the maritime industry makes research and development within energy efficiency, digital control of fuel consumption, environmental friendly diesel engines, and gas-driven vessels more important than ever.

Marine operation, safety and maintenance engineering

Operation of marine systems, such as oil and gas installations, ships, and offshore energy production systems, is very challenging due to their demanding surroundings. It is of uttermost importance to operate these systems in a safe, environmental friendly, and cost efficient way. The operating characteristics of a system are mainly determined during the design phase. Thus, marine design and operation are closely related, as they constitute important parts of a system's life cycle. Along with the technical challenges during operation, human factors, organizational aspects, and environmental impacts have to be taken into consideration. More information.

Fisheries and aquaculture

The ocean is an important source for feeding the world's population. The Norwegian fish stocks are more or less utilized at their maximum, but there is a great potential within aquaculture. Collaboration between the fisheries and aquaculture industry is the key to increased growth in fish food production. In Norway, the fisheries and aquaculture industry is the second largest export industry, following the oil and gas industry.