– Norway is a world-leading marine and maritime nation, and has the opportunities and prerequisites for taking on a global leadership role for the ocean. Our goal is to facilitate bringing together leading global knowledge-, innovation- and research communities at a World Ocean Headquarter at Fornebu, says Nina Jensen, CEO of X Four-10, the company that builds and owns the advanced research and expedition vessel (REV).

The TRG owned company is aiming to create a “campus” – an open space with several structures and one landmark building. The ambition is to bring together knowledge-based institutions related to such as sustainable fisheries and ocean management, shipping, marine technology, aquaculture, laboratories, science, research and NGOs to improve the state of our ocean. Apartments, hotels, offices and conference facilities can be included in this thriving knowledge center.

– The plans have been discussed with international stakeholders and institutions, and we have been met with great enthusiasm. In order to make this project happen, we are dependent on the World Ocean Headquarter being included in Municipality Plan 3 for the further building and development of Fornebu in Bærum, says Nina Jensen.

Together with TGR, Aker ASA will consider the possibilities for realizing the World Ocean Headquarters at Fornebu. Aker owns plots at Fornebu.

-Through generations, Aker and Aker-owned companies have been a driving force in the development of knowledge-based industry connected to the ocean and maritime resources. For a long time, Kjell Inge Røkke has had a vision of building the World Ocean Headquarters here, and now he wants to make it a reality. It is a fantastic initiative. Aker wants to help facilitate making this happen. What this would entail for Aker, we will address when the plans are more concrete, says Øyvind Eriksen, CEO of Aker.

Aker bought its first plot at Fornebu in 2005 and has since then strived to make the area vibrant and attractive for housing and business development. At Fornebu there is a good combination of old and new industry. The Aker quarter unites the headquarters of Aker and Aker-owned companies.

-We want to contribute to further positive development of Fornebu, says Øyvind Eriksen.

TRG has engaged leading Nordic architectural firms to prepare proposals for pilot and model buildings in line with the wishes expressed by Bærum Municipality. By June this year, the aim is to create a “campus” that will best suit the stakeholders’ needs. This will be done in close collaboration with the municipality of Bærum as a major stakeholder.

For more information please contact:
Nina Jensen, CEO of X Four-10, Cell: +47 9916 9694