The sabotage of Nord Stream 1 and 2 in 2022 was a turning point.

It exposed the vulnerability of critical undersea infrastructure—pipelines, cables, offshore energy systems—and underscored the urgent need for more robust protection.

In the years since, geopolitical tensions have intensified, and the threat landscape has evolved. Today, infrastructure faces not only state-sponsored sabotage but also hybrid operations, cyber-physical disruptions, and environmental degradation.

Subsea pipeline
Strengthening Maritime Resilience

KONGSBERG Opens Oslofjord Test Bed for Critical Infrastructure Protection

On 30 June 2025, KONGSBERG marked a significant milestone in maritime security with the launch of the Oslofjord Critical Maritime Infrastructure (CMI) Protection Test Bed in Horten. This new facility is a direct response to the growing complexity of threats facing Europe’s undersea infrastructure—and a bold step toward safeguarding the systems that power, connect and protect our societies.

A Strategic Wake-Up Call

The sabotage of Nord Stream 1 and 2 in 2022 was a turning point. It exposed the vulnerability of critical undersea infrastructure—pipelines, cables, offshore energy systems—and underscored the urgent need for more robust protection. In the years since, geopolitical tensions have intensified, and the threat landscape has evolved. Today, infrastructure faces not only state-sponsored sabotage but also hybrid operations, cyber-physical disruptions, and environmental degradation.

Recognizing this shift, KONGSBERG has taken action. The Oslofjord Test Bed is designed to accelerate readiness, foster collaboration, and enable real-world testing of integrated protection solutions. It is a place where technology meets strategy—and where resilience is built. “With ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and an increasingly dynamic risk picture, the need for safeguarding CMI has never been greater,” says Geir Håøy, CEO of KONGSBERG. “This centre reflects our commitment to readiness through technology, and to working closely with ecosystem stakeholders to build the robust solutions infrastructure protection demands.”

With ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and an increasingly dynamic risk picture, the need for safeguarding CMI has never been greater

Geir Håøy, President and CEO, KONGSBERG

A Real-World Arena for Innovation

Unlike traditional labs or short-term demonstrations, the Oslofjord Test Bed offers a live, operationally realistic maritime zone. It is connected to a network of coastal radars, satellite AIS feeds, seabed sensors and autonomous underwater assets—providing continuous data flow and enabling full-spectrum testing.

Here, stakeholders can simulate threat scenarios, rehearse response protocols, and validate how systems perform in concert. 

The facility is open to partners across sectors, including energy operators, defence agencies, research institutions and regulators.

“The test bed gives us a practical environment to test how sensors, analytics, platforms and human decision-making interact—not in theory, but in context,” Håøy explains.

KONGSBERG’s Three-Pillar Protection Framework

The Oslofjord Test Bed supports KONGSBERG’s unified infrastructure protection model, built on three operational pillars:

  1. Situational Awareness: Building the Operational Picture

    Effective protection starts with understanding. KONGSBERG’s systems fuse data from radar, satellite, acoustic and environmental sensors to create a shared situational picture. Machine learning models help identify anomalies—such as unusual vessel behavior or seabed changes—while intuitive interfaces support decision-making and coordination.

  2. Response & Inspection: From Detection to Confirmation

    When a potential threat is detected, rapid investigation is key. KONGSBERG deploys autonomous platforms like the HUGIN AUV and precision ROVs to inspect and verify anomalies. These systems operate at extreme depths and distances, carrying advanced payloads for sonar imaging, navigation and visual inspection. The test bed enables full workflow simulation—from alert to inspection—supporting both technology refinement and operator training.

  3. Surveillance & Monitoring: Ensuring Long-Term Integrity

    Beyond reactive response, infrastructure requires persistent monitoring. The facility supports evaluation of long-duration patrols, seabed acoustic nodes, satellite-based change detection and geofenced behavioral analytics. These tools help distinguish between normal variation and actual threats, enabling predictive maintenance and lifecycle optimization.

A Platform for Collaboration and Preparedness

The Oslofjord Test Bed aligns with national and European policy goals. It supports Norway’s Total Preparedness strategy and contributes to EU initiatives such as the Critical Entities Resilience Directive and the EU-NATO Task Force on Infrastructure Resilience.

“The Oslofjord Test Bed provides a concrete tool to strengthen maritime preparedness,” said Norwegian Minister of Energy Terje Aasland. “It shows how Norwegian technology and innovation can be applied to meet new threats and higher demands for security.”

KONGSBERG’s commitment goes beyond technology — it’s about enabling informed protection through collaboration, integration and shared readiness.

“We believe maritime infrastructure is part of the foundation of democratic society,” Håøy concludes. “The Oslofjord facility is our commitment to that foundation: a place where public bodies, industry and technology meet to strengthen resilience where it matters most.”