Surveys, Offshore Energy Inspections Leverage Autonomous Technology
Greater vehicle sophistication is pushing surveys and offshore energy inspections further towards autonomy.When the Norwegian Offshore Directorate set its new HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to work in June, there was a moment’s reflection on the fact that deep sea areas have actually been mapped since the 1800s. In the early days, simple weights were used to measure water depth and give the first indications of subsea structures and seabed morphology. There have been substantial technological developments since then.Philip Lewis, Director of Research at Intelatus, has been analyzing
Norway Deploys New Deep-Sea Mapping AUV on First Expedition
Norway has launched the first expedition of a newly acquired autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) designed to improve mapping and understanding of the country's deep-sea areas.The HUGIN Superior vehicle began operations in the northern Norwegian Sea earlier this month after being procured by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate (NOD) through funding provided by the Ministry of Energy in 2025.The deployment marks the first time Norway has access to its own advanced deep-sea mapping platform, a capability previously sourced through private contractors.“This is important for Norway. Now that we
KONGSBERG Showcases AUV Technology at CANSEC 2026
KONGSBERG will showcase its autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technology at CANSEC 2026, taking place May 27–28 at the Cohere Centre in Ottawa. Visitors to booth 707 will have the opportunity to see the HUGIN Edge AUV on display and speak directly with KONGSBERG specialists about how this proven technology addresses real-world undersea mission requirements.The HUGIN family of AUVs has accumulated an operational track record in defense, survey and scientific applications across the world’s most demanding maritime environments. The HUGIN Edge is designed for expeditionary operations
DOF Selects Kongsberg Listen for HUGIN AUV Survey Platform
Kongsberg Discovery has secured the first commercial order for its Kongsberg Listen electromagnetic sensing solution, with subsea services provider DOF selecting the technology for deployment on a HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).The new HUGIN vehicle, rated for operations at depths of up to 3,000 meters, will operate under a long-term contract with Brazil’s leading oil and gas operator to support deepwater survey and inspection work across offshore fields in Brazil.The AUV will carry an integrated payload including the Kongsberg Listen electromagnetic sensing system, the EM2042 multibeam
Kongsberg Discovery Launches HISAS2020 Synthetic Aperture Sonar
Kongsberg Discovery has launched the HISAS2020 synthetic aperture sonar.Previously available exclusively as part of integrated payloads on Kongsberg Discovery’s HUGIN AUV family, HISAS can now be implemented across any platform – including all relevant AUVs, USVs, ROVs and towed assets – delivering clear, centimeter-level resolution, robust system design for long-term reliability, and real-time data processing. The solution, suitable for an array of defence, energy and ocean science applications, will be officially showcased at Oceanology International in London in March.Speed and
Kongsberg Discovery Upgrades Kongsberg Listen Electromagnetic Sensor
said it has focused on integrating the technology into its existing portfolio while accelerating innovation.The upgraded platform-agnostic system is now positioned for applications across ocean science, defence, energy and minerals sectors. It has already been integrated and operated on Kongsberg’s HUGIN family of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), where it has been used in commercial surveys, and is now being rolled out commercially. The system will make its trade show debut under the Kongsberg Listen name at Oceanology International in London next month.“Argeo Listen was already a world
Kongsberg Discovery Prepares Product Launches, Demonstrations at Oi26
, the company launched the CMI center last year. It provides a controlled, operationally realistic environment, allowing technologies to be trialed together, scenarios explored, and responses rehearsed in context.It also delivers an ideal showcase for Kongsberg Discovery solutions, ranging from its HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to subsea sensors, real-time analytics, and integrated situational awareness systems.Delegates participating in Oceanology International, held at ExCel London at the Royal Victoria Dock, can find out more and meet domain experts at Kongsberg Discovery’s
Schmidt Ocean Institute Advances R/V Falkor (too)’s Mapping Capabilities
sends sound from the vessel to the seafloor. Scientists, especially hydrographers, use the time it takes for the sound to travel between the ship and the seafloor to calculate the depth, creating a bathymetric map and revealing seafloor features like underwater mountains and canyons. The Kongsberg Hugin Superior AUV, called The Childlike Empress, can operate to depths of up to 6000 meters and stay in the water for up to 72 hours — offering access to 98% of the ocean floor, with the exception of the deepest trenches. The organization’s ROV SuBastian can operate in waters up to 4500 meters
Kongsberg Discovery Starts AUV Production in the US
Kongsberg Discovery has decided to start production of HUGIN, an autonomous underwater vehicle, in the U.S. This decision reflects the commitment to supporting the growing demand for advanced subsea technology in the U.S. market."By establishing domestic production capabilities, we aim to strengthen our U.S.-based supply chain and enhance our responsiveness to the evolving needs of our government and commercial customers. This demand has increased as global tension has risen," said Martin Wien Fjell, President of Kongsberg Discovery.Kongsberg Discovery have already delivered HUGIN to the U.S.
February 2026
