Grimstad, January 23, 2025 - Jon Erik Reinhardsen has been appointed the new Chairman of the Board of Smart Ocean.

Reinhardsen, who is also the chairman of Equinor, brings with him extensive industrial expertise. In addition to his broad knowledge, he is well-acquainted with Smart Ocean’s technology through his role as a part-time senior advisor at BearingPoint Capital. BearingPoint Capital provides strategic and financial advisory services to Smart Ocean.

“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the future development of Smart Ocean. This is an exciting time for the company, and I look forward to helping grow an impressive company in an industry with great potential,” says Reinhardsen.

Oslo, November 29, 2024 – From January 2025, AIS technology will no longer be allowed for marking fishing gear in Norwegian waters, following international regulations aimed at improving maritime safety. The ban addresses concerns over AIS devices misrepresenting fishing gear as vessels, which can lead to dangerous situations at sea.

Smart Ocean provides fishermen with a future-ready alternative. Our advanced buoys use 4G/5G mobile networks and satellite connectivity to deliver real-time tracking without relying on AIS technology. Designed to ensure compliance, reduce gear loss, and enhance operational efficiency, Smart Ocean’s solutions help fishermen adapt to the new regulations while protecting marine ecosystems.

Oslo, November 26, 2024 – Smart Ocean has partnered with global consultancy BearingPoint to strengthen its strategic position ahead of a major capital raise in 2025. This collaboration will leverage BearingPoint’s expertise in technology and business strategy to help Smart Ocean scale its innovative solutions for sustainable ocean management.

BearingPoint will conduct a detailed technology review and provide strategic analysis, ensuring Smart Ocean is ready to meet its ambitious goals and continue shaping the future of ocean sustainability. This partnership highlights the growing momentum behind Smart Ocean’s mission to protect ecosystems and transform industries like fisheries, aquaculture, and environmental research.

The EU's 'Restore our Oceans and Waters' mission focuses on three key objectives: restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems, eliminating pollution, and decarbonizing the blue economy.

As Blue Champions, recipients gain financial and project advisory support from the European Investment Bank, with access to significant project funding for initiatives aligned with these objectives. Eligible projects must have a minimum budget of €15 million, with up to 50% financed by the EIB.

Smart Ocean has been awarded the prestigious EU Blue Invest Prize for Deep Tech and Ocean Observations. The award was presented in Brussels by Charlene Vicheva, Director General of DG MARE, to our CCDO and Co-Founder, David Røisland.

This recognition highlights Smart Ocean’s innovative contributions to sustainable ocean solutions and cutting-edge technology. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the jury for acknowledging our efforts to protect marine ecosystems and advance sustainable fishing practices.

Since last summer (2023), Smart Ocean has sold 2 000 buoys to Norwegian fishermen, including both the Coastal Edition II and Offshore Edition I of the Smart Ocean Buoy.