This year’s summer project “REEFence” developed a sustainable solution for the protection of structures offshore, including a value chain and business model suited for the coming years.
Høvik 06 August: In July, eight master students from Norway and abroad presented perspectives on how future scour protection solutions need to be designed to incorporate a holistic sustainability approach, from cradle to grave. Their goal was to create future concepts that not only ensure the structural integrity of the structures, but also protect marine biodiversity, minimize the use of raw materials, reduce land degradation and impact on habitats on land.
DNV contributes with independent quality assurance and services for risk management to all maritime industries. Therefore, the summer students profited from engaging discussions with DNV specialists as well as contacts outside the organizations.
In the first week DNV welcomed the minister of fisheries and ocean policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, for the launch of the government's strategy for the marine areas.
Afterwards, Næss joined a panel discussion together with Bente Pretlove, Programme Director for Ocean Space at DNV and representatives from Offshore Norway, Norway's Fiskarlag, WWF, and the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association.
The students attended the launch and the panel discussion while having the opportunity to ask questions to Marianne Sivertsen Næss (Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy). The government's strategy presents directives for the utilization of oceanic areas to ensure stable development in Norway's maritime zones. The minister’s insights inspired the students. During their project the students developed principles to create a new erosion protection method for structures within Norway's marine industries. The solution they are working with is based on Norwegian sea areas but can be scaled globally. As DNV has noted a worldwide trend towards improved management of maritime land use, the summer project has relevance also beyond Norway.
