World’s first wireless network at sea
Norway is the first nation in the world to implement maritime broadband communication on ships and planes in public service. The system enables exchange of information that can be crucial in limiting damage when accidents occur.

The Norwegian companies Kongsberg Seatex and Radionor have teamed up to develop Maritime Broadband Radio (MBR). In contrast to previous systems, MBR is highly stable and with extensive reach. Among other capabilities, MBR enables streaming of HD-video. MBR does not require an Internet connection to connect units in the network, though it is possible to transfer data from the network using Internet.
On board ships and aircrafts
The Coastal Administration and NOFO (Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies) are the first in the world to deploy the Norwegian-developed and produced innovation. The Coastal Administration will install MBR on all its oil recovery vessels, and on 10 additional vessels with oil recovery equipment on board. NOFO will do the same with all its oil recovery vessels.
MBR is already installed on the surveillance aircraft LN-KYV, a joint initiative between the Coastal Administration, NOFO and the Norwegian Coast Guard.
Stronger oil recovery preparedness
In the event of a critical oil spill, MBR will enable a significantly faster and higher quality exchange of information between the various units engaged in a response effort. Images, maps and video can be transferred instantaneously, and response can be initiated based on a shared, real-time awareness of the situation.
“This is a significant improvement that allows us to communicate with all units participating in an oil recovery mission, and share the data without an Internet connection. MBR allows us to respond faster with the right actions,” says Kjetil Aasebø, senior advisor in the Coastal Administration.
Latest news
-
Chart providers offer digital sailing routes to Norwegian ports
Mariners, who subscribe to electronic charts from PRIMAR, now also get access to the Norwegian Coastal Administration's digital reference routes for navigation in PRIMAR’s chart service.
-
Work will now begin on the Stad Ship Tunnel
The Norwegian Coastal Administration has received the assignment letter from the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which gives a green light to start preparations for the construction of the Stad Ship Tunnel.
-
Safer Shipping in the Arctic
ArcticInfo is a website that provides information about the conditions in Arctic waters, and decision support to support safer voyages. By increasing maritime safety in the High North, we reduce the risk of unwanted incidents and accidents.
-
New AI monitoring tool introduced in the VTS service
The Norwegian Coastal Administration will soon introduce a new digital decision support tool based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms that provides more automated monitoring of ship traffic. The tool gives VTS centres a better basis for earlier detection of unwanted and critical traffic situations.
-
Fees for 2021
Fees for 2021 have increased to meet the expected increase in prices and wages by 2.1 per cent on average in 2021. The Norwegian government will finance the loss in income caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
- Go to archive