Two leading Norwegian companies in maritime autonomy, Maritime Robotics and Eelume, have entered into a strategic partnership to merge their respective technologies and deliver comprehensive solutions for marine surveillance and security.

Under the collaboration, Maritime Robotics’ unmanned surface vessels (USVs) will be paired with Eelume’s agile autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The combined system is intended to operate seamlessly as one integrated platform, replacing or reducing reliance on traditional crewed vessels and thereby cutting both operational costs and emissions.

Eirik Hovstein, Vice President of Defence & Security at Maritime Robotics, described the alliance as a milestone toward more efficient and sustainable maritime missions. He emphasized that connecting surface and subsurface assets provides a full operational spectrum.

Meanwhile, Thomas Nygaard, CEO of Eelume, predicted that the partnership will help eliminate CO₂ emissions from underwater mapping and surveillance tasks when paired with electrically driven USVs. He also stated that in some scenarios, cost reductions could exceed 90 percent compared to conventional vessel-based approaches.

The joint system is to be controllable from both fixed and mobile Remote Operation Centres (ROCs). According to the announcement, this enables the planning, execution, and monitoring of maritime missions without requiring human crews on site.

With the USVs handling surface data acquisition, the addition of Eelume’s underwater assets enhances the solution’s reach into deeper and more challenging environments. Hovstein argued that this integration marks a paradigm change in how complex ocean tasks—such as infrastructure inspection or defense operations—can be performed.

From Eelume’s perspective, the collaboration supports greener ocean operations. Nygaard argued that coupling their maneuverable AUVs with electric USVs opens the door to significantly lowered emissions and operational costs. He also underscored the growing necessity for constant situational awareness, fast response capability, and scalable solutions in a more contested maritime environment.

The two companies pointed out that their partnership showcases Norway’s rising influence in maritime technology, blending innovation, autonomy, and ecological responsibility. Both Maritime Robotics and Eelume are members of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster and participants in the FI Ocean Space Incubator.

They also collaborate on a project to develop Remote Operation Centres in concert with the Ocean Autonomy Cluster and NTNU’s Shore Control Lab, further positioning Norway at the forefront of autonomous maritime operations.