OREANDA-NEWS. Ten years ago, Rolls-Royce partnered with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the Marintek Research Centre to create a unique research centre in Norway. The partners have today renewed their agreement in Trondheim, Norway, pledging to continue to develop high-tech solutions for the maritime sector, focusing on improving ship performance in rough seas.

Rune Garen, Director of Propulsion Research &Technology, Rolls-Royce, said: “This is a very close collaboration between industry and academia, where we as a company not only contribute funds, but also take part in the research effort.”

The research centre follows a model that Rolls-Royce has developed with universities worldwide: the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC). This is the only centre of its kind in Norway, and one of two in the Nordic region. The second Nordic UTC, in collaboration with the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, is also focused on marine technology. Rolls-Royce has established 31 UTC partnerships around the world.

Attending the event, Ric Parker, Director of Research & Technology, Rolls-Royce, said: “Rolls-Royce has a proud history of innovation and continues to develop its Marine business with cutting edge products and services. The Trondheim UTC makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the behaviour of ships and propulsion systems in extreme sea conditions, feeding into our award-winning designs. Trondheim is a key member of our strategic academic network of 31 UTCs worldwide and we are happy to be extending this successful partnership.”

Depending on the number of ongoing projects, Rolls-Royce meets 25-40 per cent of the Norwegian centre’s funding requirement. The partnership also receives substantial support from the Research Council of Norway. Rolls-Royce plays an active role in the research effort itself and the centre’s work contributes real value for the maritime industry, one of Norway’s most important industries.

“This is an exceptionally good example of how R&D contributes to the development of strong business clusters. The aim of the collaboration in Trondheim is to boost research in areas that are strategically important for Rolls-Royce and that have the potential for commercialisation,” said Rune Garen. The UTC in Trondheim currently has a research staff of seven researchers and four PhD candidates.