Ocean Space Centre is the future national centre for education, research and technology development for the marine industries, with great importance for Norway as a sea nation.

New report confirms that the project can be realized

In November 2018, the government chose a concept for the center’s new laboratories and educational premises. The chosen concept is termed Ocean Space Laboratories, and Statsbygg was commissioned to prepare a so-called OFP report, which clarifies the overall framework for the project.

The OFP report is now handed over to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. It shows that the laboratories can be built on the existing site at Tyholt, and that the planning work can proceed to the next phase.

– Ocean Space Centre is one of our most important and largest construction projects within research. That is why I am pleased that the planning of Ocean Space Laboratories has passed yet another milestone, says Torbjørn Røe Isaksen (H), Minister of Industry.

Cost calculations confirmed

The report from Statsbygg confirms previous cost estimates, with an estimated investment (P50) of NOK 6.2 billion. The total area for laboratories, education and offices at Tyholt is about 48,000 square meters, reduced by ten percent compared to previous calculations.

– I am very pleased that one has found space-efficient solutions and that the area has been reduced since the previous investigation. That the cost calculations are so stable provides security for the work to come, says Harald Tom Nesvik (FrP), Minister of Fisheries.

Implementation urgent

Ocean Space Centre will be run by NTNU and SINTEF and will replace the current marine technical center at Tyholt in Trondheim. Today’s facilities are run-down and outdated. The oldest laboratories are from 1939, and the large sea basin was opened in 1981.

– Previous reports have stated that the development is economically profitable, and the new report confirms previous calculations. Now it is crucial to keep pace so that the center can be realized as quickly as possible. This means that funds must be allocated to the next phase in the state budget for 2020, says Vegar Johansen, CEO at SINTEF Ocean.

Olav Bolland, Dean of NTNU’s Faculty of Engineering, emphasizes the importance of quality in education:

– Good teaching provides good engineers and researchers who are needed if Norway is to retain its position as a maritime power. If NTNU should be able to offer the best possible teaching, it is crucial with modern equipment. The Ocean Space Centre will give the students at NTNU access to equipment and facilities that make it possible to remain world leading within teaching and research. Good facilities also make us more attractive to foreign students and PhD candidates, who will strengthen the research environment around the Ocean Space Centre, says Bolland.

In addition to the facilities at Tyholt, the Ocean Space Centre will also include infrastructure and testing opportunities in the sea on the Trondheim Fjord, Hitra/ Frøya and Ålesund. Great emphasis is placed on developing future-oriented solutions for the marine industries, with a focus on climate, the environment and digitization.

Further work

To ensure the progress necessary, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries has commissioned Statsbygg to prepare for the next phase during the autumn of 2019. The activity in the autumn of 2019 is financed within the existing budget.

The pre-project phase is planned to be implemented in 2020-2021. Starting this phase requires funding from the Storting in the state budget for 2020.

Regulatory work will also be carried out during this phase, in collaboration with Trondheim municipality and in dialogue with neighbours and other stakeholders. Then detailed plans and regulations will be prepared and processed.

If the pre-project phase goes according to plan, the Storting can make a final decision on development in the autumn of 2021, and the development can start in 2022.

Links:

Read the press release from Statsbygg (in Norwegian)

Read Statsbygg’s OFP-report on the clarification phase (in Norwegian)

Contacts:

Olav Bolland, Dean at NTNU’s Faculty of Engineering. Tel. 918 97 209.

Vegar Johansen, CEO SINTEF Ocean. Tel. 918 82 170