BAE Systems Seminar: New Opportunities for Norwegian Maritime Innovation

The BAE Industry Day seminar provided companies with the opportunity to explore new partnerships and opportunities within the maritime and defense industries.  

BAE Systems provides some of the world’s most advanced, technology-driven solutions in defense, aerospace, and security, helping their customers stay ahead of constantly evolving threats on land, at sea, in the air, in cyberspace, and in space. BAE Systems has been selected to build Norway’s new Type 26 frigates, a project that was announced earlier this autumn. 

We spoke with two of the participants at this seminar: AETHER Nordic, a startup developing satellite-independent navigation systems, and Lars Lühr Olsen, Managing Director of Ulstein Yard, about their impressions of the day. 

AETHER Nordic recently joined the GCE Blue Maritime Cluster. Their mission is clear: to build technology people actually need, not just what you think they need. The company is developing navigation systems that ensure ships can operate safely even when satellite signals fail. 

"It’s about being part of what’s happening and having the opportunity to present solutions to BAE Systems," 

 Therese Frostad, co-founder of AETHER Nordic. 

"There are many relevant actors in the cluster, suppliers, shipping companies, and shipyards. The cluster supports collaboration and research, both nationally and with ambitions for EU projects," adds Jørgen Haavind Jensen, CTO. 

Lars Lühr Olsen, Managing Director of Ulstein Yard, emphasizes the importance of being an active member of the cluster in Norway’s northwest. 

"As a major player, it is natural for us to be part of the cluster. It serves as an important interest organization and meeting place, with seminars and events like today," 

Lars Lühr Olsen, Managing Director, Ulstein Yard

When asked about their expectations for the day, his response was honest:  "It’s a bit unclear what we will encounter, but that’s why we’re here. We want to be present and follow the opportunities that arise." 

A Hub for Innovation 

The BAE Systems seminar demonstrated how Norwegian actors in the defense and maritime sectors come together to explore new collaborations. Events like these help strengthen Norway’s maritime expertise and foster innovation in both defense and industry. 

Looking Ahead: Long-Term Strategic Opportunities 

Although much of the equipment for the new frigates has already been decided, there are still significant opportunities for Norwegian industry. BAE Systems will be building additional vessels in the coming years, and industrial cooperation agreements will be essential moving forward. For Norwegian companies, this represents the potential for long-term strategic partnerships, strengthening both the maritime cluster and Norway’s position within defense technology.  

Strengthening the Maritime Defense Supply Chain

GCE Blue Maritime Cluster is strengthening its role as a key enabler for maritime defense opportunities—both within the Norwegian Armed Forces and in international defense markets. With a defense coordinator and part og the strategic collaboration network “Cooperation for Norwegian Maritime Competence Preparedness” (Samarbeid for norsk maritim kompetanseberedskap), the cluster is actively working to position companies in the maritime cluster in the defense segment. Through initiatives such as competence-building workshops, industry–defense dialogue arenas, and joint projects on maritime preparedness and dual-use technologies, the cluster is building a stronger, more coordinated foundation for companies seeking to enter or scale within the defense sector. This strategic effort ensures that the maritime cluster stands ready to contribute cutting-edge solutions to Norway’s evolving defense needs and to international partners looking for world-leading maritime competence.