NEW MEMBER PROFILE
Kongsberg launches into coasts, ports, and inland waterways for 2022
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Kongsberg Maritime (KM) is delighted to join APP,” says Konrad Mech, Director, Sensors and Robotics Channel Management. “Kongsberg Maritime is a long-time player in the maritime domain since Norway’s discovery of North Sea oil in the 1970s. Most people only know Kongsberg from the vessel side. In fact, Kongsberg has always worked with clients in the coasts, ports, and inland waterways markets. In 2022, Kongsberg is focusing on getting our message out to this sector because we have so much to offer. I’m pleased to be leading this global effort with my colleagues at Kongsberg.” Since the 1970s, Maritime has grown to be the largest of Kongsberg’s three business areas. Kongsberg’s Norwegian origins foster a close connection to the sea. Kongsberg are leading experts in sustainable ocean technology, with 80
Port operators face several converging pressures on their operations ... and Kongsberg can help. percent of our business coming from ocean-related solutions. Kongsberg has close partnerships with all stakeholders in the maritime ecosystem — governments and regulatory bodies, naval architects, shipyards, pilots, shippers, and marine engineering firms. Kongsberg has a global reputation for tackling and mastering challenges in world’s most difficult marine environments including full ocean-depth sensors, deep sea drilling and mining, and severe sea states. Port operators face several converging pressures on their operations. Vessels are getting bigger, with deeper drafts, which requires dredging of channels, turning basins and berths. Weather is becoming more severe, with stronger winds.
Ports need to strengthen their mooring systems to resist wind loads on these larger vessels. Ports also need to have rapid response capabilities to ensure safe navigation in their channels after more severe and frequent storm events. Ensuring safe channels is now a legal liability for ports and terminals, following the Athos I precedent. A shortage of mariners is accelerating the development of autonomous vessels. Operators are pivoting away from carbon fuels to cleaner alternatives such as hydrogen, ammonia, or electric vessels. All these factors drive changes to dock-side infrastructure, and any dockside infrastructure work includes work below the waterline. That’s a lot for port management to plan and deliver, and Kongsberg can help.
The diversity and expanse of Kongberg’s expertise extends well beyond vessels and can provide ports of all sizes with valuable assistance on many issues related to port operations. 26 — PACIFIC PORTS — February 2022
