Abstract
SFI BLUES is a research centre dedicated to advancing the next generation of floating structures for the ocean industries. Funded by the Research Council of Norway and supported by industry and research partners through the Centres for Research-Based Innovation(SFI) scheme, its mission is clear: to equip the Norwegian industry with the knowledge and tools needed to develop innovative floating solutions for renewable energy, aquaculture, and coastal infrastructure.
In 2024, SFI BLUES hosted two major in-person partner events—one in the spring and one in the autumn. These gatherings, held in Trondheim and Bergen, brought together a diverse range of participants for two intensive days of plenary sessions, specialised workshops, and technical courses. Alongside these physical events, SFI BLUES continued to engage its partners through online workshops and informal webinars. These biweekly webinars, featuring presentations from both researchers and industry professionals, have grown increasingly popular, attracting between 35 and 85 participants per session, depending on the topic.
In 2024 the centre hosted 9 PhDs and Post docs, and 4 associated PhDs. In total we published 19 scientific papers in leading journals and conference proceedings, and we participated in and hosted various seminars and workshops.
Beyond academia, the centre has also engaged with broader audiences through popular science media, including podcasts, national news outlets, and blogs—ensuring that its research has an impact beyond scientific circles. SFI BLUES continues to grow as a strong and stable consortium, currently comprising 11 user partners and five research institutions. The collective expertise, dedication, and collaboration of these partners remain essential in driving the centre toward its ambitious goals. Finally, in late 2024 and early 2025, SFI BLUES successfully completed its mid-term evaluation, receiving valuable feedback to guide the centre’s continued progress over the coming years.