• Financing will enable Kongsberg Ferrotech to transform how we repair and maintain the world’s underwater critical infrastructure

Kongsberg Ferrotech, a pioneer in robotic solutions for the inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) of critical offshore infrastructure – from oil and gas pipelines, to power and fibreoptic cables – today announced a strategic investment round led by the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), with participation from Investinor, Norway’s sovereign investment fund. With growing threats to subsea cables, energy pipelines, and maritime hubs, Kongsberg Ferrotech’s first-of-a-kind technology enables in-situ repair of submerged assets.

Ageing and corroding subsea pipelines are a major concern – not only to Oil&Gas operators, but also to environmental organizations and the general public. With about 160 000 km subsea pipelines around the world, unmitigated leaks are causing environmental spills on a daily basis. A typical inspection and repair campaign using conventional technology can take from weeks to months – involving very expensive vessels, manual divers and a number of suppliers. The repair cost alone runs into millions of dollars. If production shut-down is required, the total cost can easily reach tens of millions. With the Nautilus, Kongsberg Ferrotech’s first-of-its-kind robotic solutions, the full cycle can be performed in days – and as it is diver free, most repairs can be performed without affecting the production, offering significant cost savings and up to 70% reduction in response time and C02 footprint.

A pioneering tech innovation that massively reduces cost, shutdowns, time and boosts sustainability with up to 70% reduction in carbon emissions

Kongsberg Ferrotech enables in-situ repair of critical submerged assets – extending their life – by creating a water-evacuated “dry habitat” at depth. Its patented technology can seal and evacuate water around areas to be repaired. The company’s unique robotic platform – where both inspection and repair are performed in the same operation and in the same dive – can address a wide range of subsea assets from pipelines and risers to wind-turbine monopiles and merchant marine vessels. When a defect is identified, the robot can deliver a specifically tailored repair; either a “cold”, non-metallic repair or a hot, 3D printed permanent repair. With this technology, true subsea asset rejuvenation becomes a reality in a sustainable manner, enabling continuous maintenance in place of expensive and time-consuming replacement.

Kongsberg Ferrotech is working with world leading energy operators from PTTEP of Thailand to ADNOC, Aramco, Total Energies and Petrobras to adapt the Kongsberg Ferrotech Technology to optimally support their operations.  Additionally, since 2021, Kongsberg Ferrotech has successfully completed a significant joint industry project with partners Equinor, Gassco, Shell International and SINTEF to develop advanced 3D printing technologies for in situ, metal to metal, repairs of underwater assets.

Ageing assets across the world – combined with increased environmental awareness are driving the demand for innovative solutions that can reduce cost and vessel time. The Kongsberg Ferrotech technology is a perfect match – delivering significant cost reduction and time savings – and allows most repairs to be performed without production impact, and as a natural part of day-to-day operations.

For merchant marine, offshore- and navy vessels, Kongsberg Ferrotech has developed a special solution that has caught the attention of several countries and operators. Now, open water vessel hull repairs – from coating damages to dents and holes – can be repaired in open waters, significantly reducing the need for dry-docking.

Strengthening national security

The investment aligns with the NATO Innovation Fund’s mission to supercharge breakthrough technologies that enhance the defence, security and resilience of NATO Allies. With offshore energy infrastructure playing a central role in Europe’s energy security, robotic IMR solutions are increasingly critical. With the 2025 NATO Summit that was just held in The Hague addressing the security of critical undersea infrastructure, including data cables and pipelines following increasing threats and vulnerabilities, Kongsberg Ferrotech’s innovative technology is well-positioned to strengthen the industrial base and security of the Alliance’s infrastructure.