Naval Group and the Norwegian research organization NORCE have signed a Partnership Cooperation Agreement under the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore future collaboration in the fields of Research and Development (R&D), particularly in digital transformation and energy.

This agreement has been signed in presence of H.E. Niels Engelschiøn, Ambassador of Norway in France, H.E. Florence Robine, Ambassador of France in Norway, Claudine Smith and Ludovic Caubet, respectively President and General Manager of the Norwegian French Chamber of Commerce, and Sigrun Daireaux, Director France of Innovation Norway.

This strategic partnership aims to leverage the complementary expertise of both organizations to support innovation in the maritime and defense sectors.

"The agreement reflects our shared ambition to drive innovation through cooperation," says Guillaume Weisrock, Naval Group's SVP for Sales and Business Development in Europe and North America. "NORCE’s multidisciplinary research capacities and close connection to Norwegian industry make them a natural partner for Research & Development as we deepen our engagement in Norway", he adds.

NAVAL GROUP COMMITTED TO NORWAY
International naval defence player, Naval Group brings extensive experience as system designer and system integrator of the whole warship (naval architecture, development, manufacture of naval platforms, combat systems, communication, through life support, infrastructure, drones and weapons). With a strong industrial base and a long-standing tradition of delivering high-end solutions to navies worldwide, Naval Group is committed to strengthening its presence in Norway and supporting the Royal Norwegian Navy’s evolving needs.

NORCE is one of Norway’s leading research institutions, with recognized expertise across a wide range of disciplines including maritime technology, energy, climate, petroleum, health, and social sciences. As a trusted stakeholder in both the maritime and defense sectors, NORCE is well-positioned to contribute to cutting-edge research and development efforts in collaboration with Naval Group.

TECHNOLOGIES FOR CIVILIAN AND MILITARY 
This MoU provides a formal framework for the two parties to explore potential R&D initiatives of mutual interest, with the goal of identifying, evaluating, and developing joint research projects. The collaboration will focus on dual-use technologies relevant to both civilian and military applications and may contribute to future capabilities for the Royal Norwegian Navy.

"We are looking forward to developing research projects with Naval Group. Their industrial expertise in the maritime sector complements our own strengths in research and development", says Kristin Margrethe Flornes, Executive VP from NORCE.

The MoU also reflects Naval Group’s intent to become a key partner to the Royal Norwegian Navy. As such, the outcomes of this collaboration could support future requirements and long-term national priorities.