Agder County has granted NOK 1.5 million to GCE NODE to establish a national supplier network linked to the development of the Sørlige Nordsjø II offshore wind project.

The 18 month initiative aims to build a coordinated supplier structure that strengthens both regional and national industry participation in Norway’s first large scale bottom fixed offshore wind development.

“It’s crucial to establish the supplier network now. Decisions made in the next years will shape the supply chain for decades. This network provides Norway and Agder a chance to help set the terms,” says Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.

The project aims to secure at least 40% Norwegian content in Sørlige Nordsjø II.

“Sørlige Nordsjø II represents a historic industrial opportunity with significant needs for competence and capacity across the entire value chain. Our pre study shows a clear need for better coordination, earlier access to information, meeting arenas, and support for supplier qualification. Without a structured approach, Norwegian and regional companies risk falling outside key contract opportunities,” says Kristian Johnsen, Project Manager at GCE NODE.

The project will establish an operational supplier network led by GCE NODE, with broad participation from companies in Agder and across Norway. The network will serve as a neutral collaboration arena connecting suppliers with developers and Tier 1 actors, while facilitating competence development, knowledge sharing, and early market positioning.

Through systematic activities, including dialogue meetings, workshops, B2B arenas, and visibility efforts, the initiative aims to increase supplier readiness and strengthen the competitiveness of Norway’s offshore wind industry.

“Agder hosts some of Norway’s strongest industrial environments. Decades of expertise in oil, gas and offshore are not obstacles to be phased out, but competitive advantages to build on. New green jobs are emerging on the shoulders of the industry already in place,” says Torunn Høyum-Eriksen, Head of the Committee for Business, Culture and Environment at Agder County.

Torunn Høyum-Eriksen, Head of the Committee for Business, Culture and Environment at Agder County.

On behalf of the supplier industry, SLB, Nymo and GCE NODE voiced their concerns and outlooks during a dialogue meeting at Kristiansand City Hall Thursday.

Hosted by Offshore Norge, the meeting brought together industry leaders and elected officials for a conversation on the future of oil and gas and offshore wind.

More than 30 participants from business and politics, the purpose was to share outlooks, raise concerns, and give politicians direct insight into company needs in the energy landscape.

Anstein Jorud, Managing Director at SLB Kristiansand, highlighted the company’s growing role in the region: “In the SLB group we are proud of what is happening in Kristiansand. We are 70 technology companies globally, but the headquarters for rig equipment is placed in Kristiansand.”

From Nymo, CEO Jan Børre Sannæs warned of tougher times ahead: “Politicians must spend more with the industry. We are entering a difficult two to three year period after some very busy years. We need tempo and predictability.”

The message was echoed by Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE: “The industry needs predictable, long term framework conditions. Our message to politicians is simple: gain more insight into industry needs. Talk to us before you make important decisions.”

Offshore Norge pointed to long term structural challenges, citing the Norwegian Offshore Directorate’s expectation of a 60% decline in activity on the Norwegian shelf toward 2050. Today, the Norwegian industry employs 210,000 people, of which 7,750 live in Agder.

The political delegation at the meeting included – among others – Mathias Bernander (Mayor of Kristiansand), Amalie Gunnufsen (Member of Parliament), Charlotte Beckmann Finnestad (Deputy Mayor of Kristiansand; Gro Bråten (Agder County), Torunn Høyum Eriksen (Agder County), Torbjørn Klungland (Mayor of Flekkefjord), and Unni Nilsen Husøy (Mayor of Lyngdal).

Industry speakers also included Marius Menth Andersen (Offshore Norge), Rannveig Storebø (Aker BP), Roger Pedersen (Offshore Norge), and Høye Høyesen (NHO Agder).

Anstein Jorud, Managing Director at SLB Kristiansand.
Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.
Roger Pedersen, Offshore Norge.

The FFS project (Future Defense Industry South) has a great line-up of events this fall.

“Agder is a capable and attractive region for defense related opportunities. We will continue to strengthen competence, collaboration and industrial readiness in our region,” says Tina McDougall, Project Manager at GCE NODE.

She is leading the FFS project during Stephen Sayfritz’s temporary leave.

FFS will host or co-host some key events in Agder this fall:

And a breakfast meeting focused on procurement processes, offering companies practical insight into how defense acquisitions are structured and evaluated. Date and venue to be determined.

Beyond regional activities, FFS is participating in a study trip to Denmark, where academic and research environments from Agder will meet their counterparts in Aalborg.

FFS representatives will also take part in several national events:

  • At the Polish-Norwegian Dual Use Business Seminar, Jon Arne Rasmussen from Digin will join discussions on cross border cooperation and dual use technology opportunities.
  • At the Army Drone Program Industry Day, Rune Schlanbusch from NORCE Research will represent the region in conversations about land based drone capabilities and future needs.
  • And Tina McDougall will attend the Nordic Defense and Security Conference, where defense strategy, industrial development and Nordic cooperation are on the agenda.

Future Defense Industry South (Fremtidens Forsvarsindustri Sør – FFS) is a three-year program (2026–2028) to build a lasting ecosystem for competence, innovation, and growth in defense and dual-use deliveries in Agder.

Key partners include GCE NODE, Digin, UiA, NORCE, Mechatronics Innovation Lab (MIL), Future Materials NC (FMNC), Motion Mandal and Næringsalliansen i Agder.