Underwater Technology Foundation

UTF logo
Join us Below the Surface of the Sea
Underwater Technology has advanced tremendously during the years. For the Bergen region the adventure started by the city being at the forefront globally in terms of operation and development of subsea technology, and it is the operational centre for a large number of subsea oil and gas wells. Later, the competence has been transferred to and expanded by other industries. The Underwater Technology Foundation (UTF) is an independent entity aspiring to provide more insight into underwater technology. Join us in the deep!
We are hosting the longest running subsea conference in the world
Since 1980, Bergen has served as the host city for the world’s oldest subsea conference, the Underwater Technology Conference – UTC. The driving force behind the event is the Underwater Technology Foundation (UTF). The Underwater Technology Foundation is a non-commercial entity established in 1980 when several large oil-related companies joined forces to hold an Underwater Technology Conference in Bergen. At the time, the subsea industry was in its infancy, and the foundation was the first in the world to put on a conference with sole focus on this sector.
Including renewable energy
Over the years, the focus has evolved to include underwater technology not only within oil and gas, but within the energy industry in general. UTC is an important meeting place for technologists and decision makers working with underwater technology for clean energy production.
International meeting point
Ever since the first UTC, the conference has been a regular event in Bergen. For the first 30 years it was held biennially, but from 2010 onwards it became an annual event. In addition to the large Norwegian oil and gas operators, the proportion of international representatives is high – and is steadily rising. 22 different nations were represented in 2015. Hence, this June event in Bergen is an international meeting point for the world’s leading subsea technology companies. New technology is presented, challenges are discussed and UTF is the host and organiser.
Promotes knowledge
UTF is, however, far more than just the Underwater Technology Conference – although focus on this event is high. The overall objective of the foundation is to promote increased knowledge of underwater technology nationally and internationally. This is something the foundation will achieve through conferences such as UTC which features an exhibition open to everyone interested in learning more about underwater technology. In addition, the foundation will contribute to research and training at university level.
Grant
To fulfil the latter, the foundation offers a grant available to applicants in need of financial support for a subsea related research or training project. The foundation would like to see more applicants for the grant, and encourages anyone with a relevant project to apply.

Grant application will open soon.

History
The initiative to establish Underwater Technology Foundation – UTF – was taken during the pioneering period of the Norwegian petroleum era. A number of major companies related to the oil industry together with classification, research and finance institutions in the Bergen area, formed an organization being responsible for the execution of the Underwater Technology Conference – UTC – having their first event in 1980. The conference was immediately a success with a new conference to follow in 1982. After the 1982- conference the need for a more permanent organization taking care of the “visualization” of the subsea industry in the Bergen region, was evident. Hence, UTF was established represented by the following companies:

  • DNB Nor

  • NUTEC

  • Community of Bergen

  • DNV

  • Statoil

  • BMW

  • CMI

  • Norwegian Petroleum Society

UTC which has been the major task for UTF, quickly established them as a widely recognized conference with participants from all parts of the international petroleum society and has attracted considerable attention. UTC has formed the economic backbone for UTF, making the aim of supporting development and education within the underwater technology area a reality. Today’s members and organization are presented in UTF Board & Council
Board and council
UTF Board
  • Stig Instanes, TechnipFMC (Chairman)

  • Hans-Erik Berge, DNV

  • Tor W Knudsen, Equinor

  • Parisa Bardouni, Aker Solutions

  • Owe Hagesæter, GCE Ocean Technology

  • Håkon Jostein Grimstad, OneSubsea
UTF Council
  • Stian Arnfinsen, Norce (Leader)

  • Ingvar Grøtberg, TechnipFMC

  • Mads Eidem, DNV

  • Atle Saure Lokøy, Aker Solutions

  • Andreas Fjellbirkeland, OneSubsea

  • Rolf Røssland, NUI

  • Gisle Nondal, Bergen Kommune

  • Per Gerhard Grini, Equinor

  • Remi Andre Breivik, GCE Ocean Technology

  • Andre Svalland, DNB

  • Kåre Rune Vagle, NPF