VISA was excited to host a small delegation from Norway recently as part of an ongoing exchange facilitated with the City of Virginia Beach. The visit highlighted the Hampton Roads autonomy ecosystem, including applied research at VISA and operational demonstrations at the Maritime Autonomous Systems Test Site (MASTS), and explored opportunities for international collaboration in maritime and defense‑related autonomy.

The delegation included Torbjørn Lundberg, Senior Advisor and Project Manager with the NORDSEC – Nordic Defence and Security Cluster; Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Manager of Norway’s Ocean Autonomy Cluster; and Svein Olav Munkeby, Chairman of the Board for Space Norway. Collectively, the group represents Norway’s national efforts to advance defense, space, and ocean autonomy through industry‑government‑academic collaboration.

The visit reflects a growing relationship between Norway, the City of Virginia Beach, Old Dominion University, and VISA, focused on aligning international partners with Virginia’s strengths in maritime autonomy, simulation, and real‑world testing.

These engagements support economic development objectives while positioning ODU and VISA as gateways for global partners seeking collaboration and validation opportunities in the U.S.