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Fundamental research drives innovation
Karlsen says that the kind of fundamental research
conducted by SAMCoT is the very foundation for progress
in the industry.
“There are so many gaps when it comes to what we
need, we see that there is a need for this platform,” he
says. The industry can then take fundamental informa
tion generated by SAMCoT to develop specific technolo
gies to meet their needs.
“We (the industry) are able to build on results from the
fundamental research and we are also able to take the PhD
candidates and offer them a job in the industry,” he says.
“They can then do research in applied sciences here.”
For SMSC, the Ship Modelling and Simulation Centre,
SAMCoT is also an important arena for bringing together
highly competent researchers who can share their
understanding of the complexities of the Arctic.
“SAMCoT represents a project/meeting place where
SMSC can get added knowledge about the Arctic, ice
and ice modelling,” says Bård E. Bjørnsen, Manager,
projects and business development for the company.
The focus on top-notch research is also a big plus for
SAMCoT partners such as UNIS, the University Centre
in Svalbard, because the best research attracts the
best researchers. “Cooperating with the best scientists
and industry partners within this research area will
give our researchers new knowledge, inspiration and
prestige in their own special fields,” says Helen Flå,
assistant director of UNIS.
Relevance for industry
Oil and gas development in the Arctic is only in its begin
ning stages. Some areas of the Arctic are already open to
exploitation, such as the Barents Sea, but moving beyond
today’s established areas requires “incremental innovation
in the development and production stages,” Karlsen says.
For example, Statoil is not currently exploring in
ice-covered waters, but sees that this will be increas
ingly feasible with new technologies developed based on
SAMCoT research. “The findings from SAMCoT will be
very important from this perspective, particularly after
2020,” he says.
“SAMCoT is a great vehicle for increased knowledge
when it comes to offshore design and coastal technol
ogy,” he adds. “In these areas, we expect SAMCoT to
significantly contribute to establish best practice within
the industry.”
Østlund says Kværner is excited about the SAMCoT
partnership, because the company can contribute by
assessing industry requirements, and ensuring that
SAMCoT’s focus, priorities and research outcomes are
relevant to the industry.
“Field development in Arctic areas will be the core
business for Kvaerner Concrete Solutions in the years
to come,” she says. “There will be major field devel
opments during the next 20-30 years. Expanding our
knowledge through research will be extremely impor
tant to ensure the possibility of safe and economic
development of these areas.”
OATRC2012 cruise members deploying Ice Profiling Sonar
(IPS) and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) mooring.
SAMCoT Board at a HSE exercise, Svalbard May 2012.
Photo: Øyvind Hagen, Statoil
Photo: Nataliya Marchenko