Ocean ROC

Purpose and Objectives

Ocean ROC aims to establish a coherent regional capacity for testing, validation, and development of remote-controlled and autonomous maritime systems in West Sweden.

The long-term ambition is to create a regional offering comprising a Remote Operations Centre (ROC), a network of test environments, common testing methodologies, and neutral validation. Together, these elements will provide companies with clearer pathways from concept and development to demonstration and future implementation.

In its first phase, the project conducts a pre-study to identify industry needs, develop testing methodologies for maritime systems, carry out a ROC pilot, and create a model showing how regional test environments can be connected into a unified offering.

Challenge

Maritime systems are becoming increasingly digitalised, connected, and autonomous. At the same time, testing methods, regulations, and common working practices are evolving at a significantly slower pace. This creates a gap between technological development and practical implementation.

Companies developing remote-controlled and autonomous solutions often lack access to coordinated test environments, established processes, and independent validation. Fragmented resources and unclear testing pathways make it more difficult to verify technologies, comply with emerging regulatory requirements, and build trust among customers and authorities.

Solution

Ocean ROC brings together stakeholders, expertise, and existing test environments to explore how a regional testing and development arena for maritime autonomy can be established.

The pre-study includes industry needs assessments, development and demonstration of a Remote Operations Centre (ROC) pilot, and the creation of methodologies for testing and validation. The project will also visualise how multiple test sites can be connected into a single regional offering based on the principle of "one offering – multiple test sites."

The outcome will provide a concrete foundation for further development and scaling in a future implementation phase.

Impact

The project is expected to strengthen companies' ability to develop, test, and demonstrate innovative maritime solutions in realistic environments. Improved access to testing infrastructure, common methodologies, and validation processes can reduce development risks and shorten the path from innovation to market.

In the longer term, Ocean ROC can help position West Sweden as a leading hub for testing and innovation in remote-controlled and autonomous maritime systems. The project will thereby contribute to regional competitiveness and support the transition towards safer, smarter, and more sustainable maritime transport.