Businesses and opportunities in Greater Bergen
With its long history with the ocean, Greater Bergen has created successful, state-of-the-art export industries within aquaculture, energy, and shipping. In recent years, progressive digitalisation has developed new industries within the region.
This experience in the ocean industries allows for a great deal of crossover, which has been key to the growth and development of these industries, as well as for creating new opportunities.
Ideally placed along Norway’s western coast, Bergen offers access to the country’s key business arenas
- Our knowledge and experience from the harsh subsea environment are being used to build more durable offshore aquaculture farms
- Electric propulsion systems used on ferries are on their way to being adopted on boats for the aquaculture industry
- Our subsea competence is being used to develop new ideas for producing and storing hydrogen in the seabed
These are just a few examples of the crossover between these ocean industries and the opportunities they present.
Decarbonising the shipping industry
Already in 2014, the world’s first fully electric ferry had its maiden voyage in Western Norway. The rest of Norway’s ferry fleet will soon follow in becoming electrified. This marks the introduction of new, zero-emissions solutions and will set a new direction for Norway’s shipping industry.
Today, the maritime value chain is deeply engaged in developing new energy solutions for ships, such as:
- Hydrogen
- Ammonia
- Biofuel
- Harbour-based charging facilities for large ships
- Fuel cells
The maritime clusters in the region are now developing these new technologies and improving on existing solutions. All of this is in line with Norway’s aim to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint by 50% by 2030.
The region is home to a highly skilled maritime labour force. Photo: Morten Wanvik/Hordaland County
Council
There are many possibilities for companies to take part in developing these new solutions. If we are to reach our climate goals, further efforts will be needed in developing:
- Zero emission solutions for fast ferries and global shipping
- Flexible propulsion systems
- A complete hydrogen value chain
- Smart green harbours with new, associated technologies
Green Maritime in Greater Bergen
World-leading seafood industry
Norway is one of the leading producers and exporters of salmon worldwide. This is a result of consolidated efforts toward driving the growth and development of the Norwegian aquaculture value chain. The digitalisation of the aquaculture industry has also played an important role. Several of the biggest aquaculture companies in Norway are headquartered in Greater Bergen and account for much of the salmon exported.
Greater Bergen is host to numerous seafood training programs and initiatives. Photo: Silje Ringeheim
Technology and digitalisation
The Norwegian aquaculture industry, particularly for salmon, is one of the most tech-driven and digitalised globally. It is well-operated and offers intricate data sets relating to fish genetics, marine bio-conditions, fish mortality, disease, and medication.
Currently, big data is being used by several key farming operations in predicting algae and sea lice outbreaks. In addition, technology development for offshore fish pens (highly specialised aquaculture cages) is progressing. Nonetheless, the industry needs further development if it is to become more sustainable. There’s plenty of room for new thoughts and ideas, as well as for those with the drive to pursue them.
The region has excellent seafood value chains that are uniquely suited for companies that want to be a part of a more sustainable aquaculture industry. Firms in Greater Bergen enjoy access to:
- Educational institutes with seafood and aquaculture expertise
- An industry cluster with a diverse membership base
- A network of some of the biggest companies and innovative start-ups in the industry
- Relevant conferences and networking events
Seafood and Aquaculture in Greater Bergen
From strictly oil and gas to renewables
The energy companies operating along the Norwegian continental shelf are world leaders in low carbon emissions. Many of these companies are transitioning from oil and gas to renewable energy, contributing to new, emerging industries. Offshore wind, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen are up-and-coming ventures that these energy companies are keen on taking part in. Key examples of this are Equinor’s offshore wind project Hywind Tampen and their CCS project Northern Lights.
Mongstad Industrial Park is one of several industrial parks that will play a role in the impending energy
transition. Photo: Helge Hansen
The energy sector is a technological frontrunner among the ocean industries, with several available tech solutions for optimising this industry. Greater Bergen has a range of companies along these supply chains, as well as a strong base in subsea competence. The use of big data, the digitalisation of key ocean and subsea processes and machine learning have all contributed to optimising the industry. Additionally, it has contributed to the ongoing development of open data sources.
Several ground-breaking projects in the region are underway with room for new companies along the supply chains for:
- Floating offshore wind (we are seeing increased interest in our industrial parks for assembling offshore wind modules and building offshore wind installations)
- Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilisation (CCSU)
- Converting natural gas to blue hydrogen (which is related to the Northern Lights project)
- Deep Sea minerals (exploration and extraction)
- Technology transfer from subsea oil and gas to other markets
Greater Bergen’s Offshore Energy sector
Media and technology
Norway’s media sector has made great strides in its development.
Over the past several decades, the region’s media industry has made significant advances. Digitalisation and technology have transformed this industry massively, increasing the speed, range and efficiency of data transmission, global communications, and media innovation. This has also opened the gateways for new advances in the industry, such as:
- Artificial intelligence
- Augmented reality
- Visual graphics and computer-generated imagery
- 5G technology
- High-speed video and audio transmissions
- Broadband technology
Media City Bergen stands at the heart of the region’s tech boom. Photo: Gunnbjörg Gunndarsdottir
The region houses a highly intricate ecosystem, which includes skilled manpower, research institutes, multiple media outlets, innovative firms, and a complete media lab – providing a sandbox for research and innovation. With the region’s media cluster taking the lead, digital media and tech firms will easily find a place along these value chains where they can contribute.
Media and Technology in Greater Bergen
Fintech
Greater Bergen is a major fintech hub for Norway. The combination of digitalisation and the continued growth of the finance industry led to the formation of the fintech sector in the region.
The value chain includes major Norwegian banks, insurance companies, two key finance schools, innovative start-ups, and public sector organisations. The region is also home to an industry cluster that is leading the way in a number of fintech and finance-related areas, such as anti-money laundering, fraud detection, sustainable fintech and the next generation of digital fintech solutions.
Firms are welcome to find their place along the value chain and add to the already impressive wealth of skilled manpower that’s driving the industry.
Healthtech
Capitalising on the region’s tech infrastructure and widespread digitalisation has allowed the healthcare sector to develop the next generation of tech-based healthcare solutions – healthtech.
Creative digital products and skilled manpower will be needed to further expand the region’s value chain, in order to drive growth and cultivate innovative solutions. Despite still being relatively young, this value chain already has two key clusters, a budding ecosystem of innovative firms, access to motivated investors and a centralised teaching hospital, equipped with high-end labs and testing facilities.
Greater Bergen’s Healthtech sector
Healthtech is a rapidly growing industry in Bergen. Photo: Morten Wanvik/Hordaland County Council
Data centers
The data center industry is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide. The near-constant development of digital solutions and the society’s overall digital growth has created an increasing demand for data centers to handle the storage and processing of data.
Norway has abundant clean, green hydropower. In addition, Greater Bergen has several sites perfect for building data centers. Currently, we have four sites to offer operators with our GreenByte Powered land model.