Kongsberg Norcontrol
About
Enhancing Safety, Security and Coexistence for Offshore Wind Farms
Kongsberg Norcontrol, a global leader in maritime domain awareness and surveillance solutions, is working with METCentre on projects to safeguard and support the growth of offshore wind energy. With a mission to shape the future of maritime domain awareness, Kongsberg Norcontrol delivers cutting-edge solutions to coastal authorities, ports, navies, and critical infrastructure operators worldwide.
As offshore wind energy rapidly expands across Europe to meet climate and energy targets, ensuring the safe and secure coexistence of maritime industries and infrastructure has never been more vital. Offshore wind farms are crucial components of tomorrow’s energy supply—but they are also exposed to a variety of safety and security risks.
Key information
- Test site
- Karmøy Test Site
- Status
- In operation
Norway’s First Offshore Wind Surveillance System
KONGSBERG has delivered Norway’s first dedicated site surveillance system for an offshore wind area to METCentre.
This advanced system integrates data from existing sensors—including those at the nearby Kvitsøy Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Centre—and is tailored to the specific requirements of METCentre’s test site and export cable corridor.
Now fully operational, the solution provides real-time maritime situational awareness, including:
• Tracking of ship traffic and perimeter monitoring
• Alerts for potential threats or hazards, such as anchoring near subsea infrastructure
• Information management, logging, reporting, and decision support
This system enhances safety, improves communication and data collection, and serves as a platform for future demonstration and innovation.
Developing Next-Generation Coexistence Tools: Dynamic Buffer Zones
To further support the green transition and ensure safe coexistence between offshore wind and other maritime industries such as fishing, KONGSBERG has developed a prototype solution for dynamic buffer zones around offshore wind areas. This innovative tool uses real-time and historical meteorological and oceanographic data—including wind speed, wave height, and current patterns—to generate adaptive geofenced zones around offshore wind installations.
Key features include:
• Automatic adjustment of "keep-out" or advisory zones based on weather and sea state
• Forecast-based recommendations, such as: “Is it safe to transit through this area tomorrow at 17:00?”
• Visualization and communication tools for sharing dynamic zones with mariners and fishing vessels
• Data replay functionality for analysis, training, and evaluation
This proof-of-concept prototype is under active development and will undergo further testing at METCentre to support future real-world implementation.
Video showing buffer zones around offshore wind turbines dynamically adjusting in response to changing weather conditions.
Supporting the Green Energy Transition
KONGSBERG provides a comprehensive suite of solutions to support offshore wind operations, including:
• Subsea, seabed, and environmental survey tools
• Site surveillance systems and VTS integration
• Construction and logistics vessel technologies
• Sensors and components for monitoring and operating both fixed and floating turbines
By enabling safer, smarter, and more sustainable offshore energy operations, KONGSBERG is helping make renewable energy more accessible and cost-effective—while protecting ocean environments and enabling industrial coexistence.
We Patrol, Surveil and Detect – From Space to Seabed
KONGSBERG is uniquely positioned to deliver integrated technologies that protect every aspect of critical maritime infrastructure. Our systems operate across space, air, sea, and seabed, providing complete surveillance and protection.