Norwegian delegation’s study visit to Croatia: Advancing autonomous and green transport

In January 2025, Rijeka welcomed a Norwegian delegation as part of the AGATI – Adriatic Green Autonomous Transport Initiative. Organized by DIH Innovamare and the Ocean Autonomy Cluster, this study visit aimed to strengthen partnerships, exchange knowledge, and explore opportunities in the field of autonomous and sustainable transport technologies.

Over the course of five days, representatives from Croatia and Norway engaged in discussions, expert-led conferences, and site visits, focusing on advancing maritime automation and fostering international cooperation in the blue and green sectors.

Exploring key institutions driving innovation

The visit began with a series of meetings at institutions leading the way in autonomous transport, sustainability, and technological development. The Norwegian delegation visited:

• Port Authority Rijeka, a key hub for international trade and a driving force behind sustainable transport initiatives in the region. The delegation discussed the port’s commitment to innovation and the integration of green technologies.
• City of Rijeka, where representatives explored how local government policies can support the adoption of modern and environmentally friendly transport systems.
• Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka, an institution that plays a crucial role in educating future maritime professionals and advancing research in autonomous technologies.
• Navis Consult d.o.o. Croatia – Kongsberg, a company specializing in maritime automation and smart solutions, contributing significantly to the development of green and autonomous transport.
• AITAC d.o.o., a leader in automation and digitalization, providing cutting-edge solutions for land and maritime transport.

This first day of the visit provided valuable insights into the ways Rijeka is preparing for a future centered on autonomous and sustainable maritime solutions.

Conference on Autonomous Systems at Sea

The second day was marked by the “Autonomous Systems at Sea and Their Implementation in the Adriatic Sea” conference, held at the Rijeka Development Agency – PORIN. Experts from Croatia and Norway gathered to discuss the future of autonomous maritime systems, focusing on sustainability, regulatory challenges, and technological advancements.

Key topics addressed during the conference included:

• The current state and future of autonomous systems in the Adriatic
• Regulatory frameworks for integrating smart maritime technologies
• The role of port authorities in adopting autonomous vessels
• Technological developments that are reshaping regional maritime traffic

The event featured speakers from leading institutions, including:

• Prof. Dr. Marko Valčić, University of Zadar
• Rajko Jurman, Head of Commercial Affairs, Port Authority of Rijeka
• Predrag Domijan, Head of ICT Support, Port Authority of Rijeka
• Izv. prof. dr. sc. Srđan Žuškin, Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka
• Aleksandar Vuković, Technical Director, Lürssen Design Center Kvarner d.o.o.
• Lisa Marie Dickenson, Trondheim Municipality
• Frode Halvorsen, CEO, Ocean Autonomy Cluster

The conference also included B2B meetings, offering an opportunity for companies, researchers, and institutions to explore potential collaborations.

To conclude the day, the delegation visited the Educational Workshop “Torpedo”, where they witnessed a live demonstration of the autonomous transport system Faust V, providing a glimpse into the future of maritime automation.

Exploring innovation and excellence in maritime technology

The final days of the visit included site visits to some of the most innovative institutions and companies working in the field of autonomous and green maritime transport:

• Energana – Incubator for Creative Technologies and IT Industry, where the delegation saw the latest advancements in automation and smart systems, crucial for the future of the maritime sector.
• Viktor Lenac Shipyard, a leader in shipbuilding and maintenance, providing insights into the integration of modern and sustainable vessel construction techniques.
• Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, a center for research and education in engineering and maritime technologies, playing a key role in the development of autonomous solutions.
• Maritime Center of Excellence – Lürssen, a world-class facility combining engineering expertise with state-of-the-art technology to drive innovation in sustainable and autonomous maritime systems.

This study visit highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the transition towards green and autonomous transport. The knowledge shared and partnerships formed throughout the week will contribute to the ongoing development of sustainable maritime technologies in the Adriatic region.

The AGATI project continues to serve as a platform for collaboration and innovation for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future in maritime transport.