The 2022 sabotage of gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea marked a turning point: maritime infrastructure is no longer seen as a passive utility, but as a strategic asset at risk of disruption. The Joint Baltic Declaration on Security in the Baltic Sea was signed on November 20 by the Norwegian State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen, in the presence of the Polish Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Positive and hopeful for action
Arne Rinnan, Kongsberg Discovery's Executive Vice President for Strategy and Technology, welcomes the declaration and hopes for further action.
"This is a positive and the right move for securing the maritime domain in the Baltic Sea. We have experienced great interest in the Oslofjord Test Bed that was opened in June this year. Here we are coordinating expertise across KONGSBERG to develop a unified solution", he says.
He explains that the Oslofjord Test Bed integrates subsea autonomy, land-based and satellite sensors surveillance, traffic monitoring, real-time advanced analytics and decision support into one scalable system — redefining how nations and industries protect their underwater infrastructure.
"I see this declaration as a goal to pursue additional measures. We've had significant attention and visits from government officials both abroad and at home who are interested in our technology. However, the central issue remains: in the event of an incident, who truly holds responsibility?" Rinnan says.
Arne Rinnan, Executive Vice President, Kongsberg DiscoveryI see this declaration as a goal to pursue additional measures. We've had significant attention and visits from government officials both abroad and at home who are interested in our technology. However, the central issue remains: in the event of an incident, who truly holds responsibility?
KONGSBERG to become industrial partner
According to an official statement by the Norwegian State Secretary, Marte Gerhardsen, the declaration marks an important step towards closer cooperation and strengthened preparedness in the region. In addition, on the same day, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace became part of The Green Industrial District – Kashubia Project in Poland, agreeing with local authorities to establish operations related to the project.
"This is a good example of how Norway and our partners are committed to strengthening Europe's security through both diplomacy and industry", Gerhardsen said.
Declaration for securing cooperation and security
The declaration, which has now been signed by Norway, aims to:
- Strengthen military cooperation between the countries in the region to improve defense preparedness
- Improve interoperability and conduct joint exercises and mobilisation capacity
- Ensure common democratic values, rule of law and human rights in the face of security threats
- Increase stability and security in the Baltic Sea region, especially in view of geopolitical tensions and threats from Russia
- Promote regional cooperation and contribute to stronger European security
Critical maritime infrastructure covers a wide and complex landscape. Below the surface, this includes subsea oil/gas wellheads and risers, gas pipelines, fibre-optic communications cables, high-voltage power lines and renewables installations. Above the surface, it extends to floating production units, platforms, ports and other coastal facilities. Each element serves a vital function in energy security, economic continuity and national resilience – and each requires tailored, domain-specific monitoring.
