The University of Bergen (UiB) shall procure an autonomous underwater vessel (AUV) with the capacity to operate at sea level down to 6,000 metres. The need is an AUV with advanced sensors, including high-resolution sonar…
s and cameras, as well as high operational security and precision. The procurement is financed by the Ministry of Energy through the Norwegian Shelf Directorate. The vessel shall be operated by UiB at the Institute of Geosciences and will be a part of the national research infrastructure. Justificat
ion for exceptions UiB has been researching deep sea problems for many years and has a separate centre for deep sea research. Good infrastructure here is crucial and there is a need for cooperation across and national. In 2008, FFI invited