Styrk Verfta – Strengthening Norwegian Shipyards

Styrk Verfta is an industry-driven initiative aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, innovation capacity, and long-term resilience of Norwegian shipyards.

While the debate on shipyard competitiveness often focuses on framework conditions, Styrk Verfta takes a broader perspective. A competitive shipbuilding industry is not only shaped by policies, it’s built through innovation, productivity, and people. Strengthening the shipyards is therefore not about preserving the status quo, but about developing the industry further.

Norway’s maritime industry is globally recognized as a leading cluster. Yet, shipyards, where technologies are actually integrated, tested, and realized are underrepresented in research and innovation activities.

Shipyards are not just production sites. They are integration hubs where new technologies, materials, and processes are implemented under real-world conditions. This role has been fundamental to Norway’s strong maritime export performance and continued global competitiveness.

Three Focus Areas

The initiative is structured around three closely connected pillars:

1. Research and Innovation (R&D)
Styrk Verfta aims to bring research closer to where value is created. Through targeted R&D projects, shipyards gain access to new production technologies, digital tools, automation, and sustainable solutions—always with a strong focus on implementation, not just analysis.

2. Competence Development
New technologies require new skills. The initiative supports competence building across all levels from skilled workers to engineers and management ensuring that technological investments translate into real productivity gains.

3. Recruitment and Attractiveness
Despite building some of the world’s most advanced vessels, many shipyards struggle to attract talent. Styrk Verfta works to position shipyards as modern, high-tech workplaces where innovation, craftsmanship, and pride go hand in hand.

Styrk Verfta builds on this foundation, strengthening the industry’s ability to respond to new market demands, technological shifts, and geopolitical changes.

A Stronger Knowledge Base for Better Decisions

Styrk Verfta contributes to a more informed industry and policy dialogue by gathering data, insights, and experiences directly from the shipyards.

The ambition is to provide a stronger, fact-based foundation for decisions that will shape the future of the Norwegian maritime industry.