The Future Defense Industry South (FFS) project will have its own booth at Kongsberg Agenda, one of Norway’s most important arenas for dialogue and innovation within the defense sector.
“We invite companies with an interest in the defense industry, especially those with technology, solutions, or prototypes to showcase, to join us at this event. Participation is free of charge for companies,” says Stephen Sayfritz, Project Manager at FFS.
Kongsberg Agenda brings together industry leaders, technology developers, policymakers, and innovators for several days of discussions, exhibitions, and networking.
“It is a unique opportunity to gain visibility, connect with key stakeholders, and explore future-oriented defense technologies,” according to Sayfritz.
FFS has secured a booth with room for several companies to showcase their technology.
If your company would like to join us at the booth, please contact Tina McDougall no later than May 11.
The booth at Kongsberg Arena is made possible due by financial support from Sørlandets Competence Fund, Agder County, Aust-Agder Development and Competence Fund, and regional business funds of Kristiansand, Vennesla and Lindesnes.
Key partners including GCE NODE, Digin, University of Agder, NORCE, Mechatronics Innovation Lab, Future Materials NC, Motion Mandal, and Næringsalliansen i Agder cooperate to deliver FFS.
With no newbuilds in sight, the world-leading offshore drilling industry in Agder remains dependent on the aftermarket.
“Aftermarket sounds like spare parts and simple maintenance, but it is really about major upgrades, comprehensive modernization, and the building of more effective systems. This makes the aftermarket interesting,” said Pål Skogerbø, Chief Technology Officer at HMH.
His remarks fell during a panel debate at the GCE NODE Executive Forum in Kristiansand Thursday evening, where Skogerbø, Rune Johnsen (Managing Director at NOV Norway) and Anstein Jorud (Managing Director at SLB, Kristiansand) were placed in the hot seats.
For years, the Agder region was the global center for offshore drilling packages, led by HMH, NOV and SLB. Newbuilds were plenty and the global market share of the three players in Kristiansand was estimated to 80 – or even 90 – per cent.
In recent years, newbuild activity has been close to non-existent, while aftermarket services have dominated. “Is this the new normal,” asked Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.
“Day rates remain too low to justify newbuilds, but upgrades are increasing and will continue to be essential,” said Rune Johnsen.
Anstein Jorud added that optimization and efficiency improvements will define the next phase, making aftermarket work even more important.
Close to 90 people attended the by-invitation-only event in Kristiansand Thursday evening.
Skogerbø pointed out that many rigs are aging and will require major upgrades to stay competitive.
“This makes the aftermarket an exciting and long term industry, driven by the need for smarter, more efficient solutions,” said Skogerbø.
When asked about the near future for the major companies, and the SMEs that are part of their value chain, Johnsen highlighted that Kristiansand remains strongly drilling oriented, while NOV globally also operates in segments with different cycles.
“We see strong growth in other regions which will drive future drilling activity. It will, however, take some time before it trickles down to our region,” said Johnsen.
Kai Eide, a long-time international diplomat addressed the current global state-of-affairs and the consequences for Norway.
GEO-POLITICS
The GCE NODE Executive Forum – by invitation only – gathered close to 90 executives in Kristiansand. Highlighting the current geo-political situation, the theme of the forum was “Turbulence”.
EU-expert Anne Elizabeth Stie from the University of Agder and Kai Eide, a former top diplomat, took the stage to provide insights and possible paths forward for the world.
Anne Elizabeth Stie, Associate Professor at the University of Agder, is an expert on EU, EU regulations and how they affect Norway.
Rune Johnsen, Managing Director of NOV Norway, is the new Chair of the GCE NODE Board of Directors.
Johnsen was elected at the Annual General Meeting in Kristiansand Thursday. He replaces Pål Skogerbø, Chief Technology Officer at HMH. It is customary that top position on the BoD is alternating between the major cluster companies. Skogerbø remains on the BoD as a Board Member.
Anstein Jorud (SLB Kristiansand) and Morten Rosenberg (Knowit) were elected as new board members.
The full GCE NODE Board of Directors for 2026-2027:
Rune Johnsen, chair (NOV)
Pål Skogerbø (HMH)
Anstein Jorud (SLB)
Kristin Dale (Å Energi)
Sunniva Whittaker (University of Agder)
Siren Neset (NORCE Research)
Morten Rosenberg (Knowit) Deputy Board Member: Knut Inge Edvardsen (cDynamics)
