On 26 August 2014, the King of Norway dubbed NTNU professor Torbjørn Digernes knight first class of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav. County Governor Jørn Krog handed over the decoration at Lerchendal farmyard. Many people from NTNU's marine technology field were present to witness the event.

Digernes has worked as a professor within marine technology at NTNU, has been dean at the faculty of engineering science and technology and rector at NTNU. Now, he is back at the department of marine technology as an adjunct professor.

The Norwegian newspaper Adresseavisen commented on the occasion as well as Møre-Nytt (in Norwegian).