Eight partners, five countries
The SEUS project is a collaborative effort between eight international partners from Norway, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, aimed at improving shipbuilding processes.
NTNU leads the project and is responsible for researching and evaluating a new PLM approach, while UTU focuses on human-centricity. CADMATIC, SARC and CONTACT are responsible for software development. Ulstein and Gondan shipyards implement the platform and provide feedback on its development. NHL Stenden ensures the project is visible and shares relevant information about its objectives, activities and outcomes with the appropriate stakeholders and scientific communities.
A more detailed description of each partner, and the work-package coordinators, is available in the SEUS Annual Report 2025.
NTNU
NTNU is Norway’s largest university, with main campuses in Trondheim, Gjøvik, and Ålesund. While strongly oriented toward science and technology, it also offers broad programmes in the humanities, social sciences, medicine, health sciences, economics, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Established in 1996 through a merger of institutions dating back to the 1760s, NTNU has a long academic heritage.
The Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering (IHB) in Ålesund works closely with the maritime industry, offering education and research that integrate technology, human factors, and business. NTNU’s mission is to advance research, provide research-based education, and contribute to solving global challenges.
CADMATIC
Since the start of the SEUS project in 2023, Cadmatic has focused on building scalable development and implementation teams to bring the new solution to market quickly. After the initial setup phase, a dedicated team and full development infrastructure were established, including cybersecurity measures, architecture alignment, code review, and testing practices.
The first release of the Wave product, which encapsulates the SEUS platform, was prepared on 12 November 2024. Even before launch, preliminary marketing materials were shared with SEUS partners and potential users, generating strong industry interest and valuable input that helped refine development priorities and support future exploitation.
CONTACT Software
CONTACT is a leading provider of open-standard software supporting product engineering and digital transformation. Its low-code Elements platform enables integration of IT systems, IoT, and end-to-end business processes. In shipbuilding, CONTACT Project Office supports complex, multi-stakeholder projects by combining structured project control with agile team collaboration and intelligent data sharing across organizational boundaries. The Collaboration Hub ensures up-to-date product data and smooth supplier integration.
CONTACT’s CIM Database manages the entire product lifecycle through digital twins, process management, and collaboration tools. CONTACT Research develops industry-specific digitalisation strategies, improving data availability, process efficiency, and digital maturity across the product lifecycle.
SARC
SARC BV, founded in 1980, is a naval architectural software company with a team of 15 naval architects specialising in software engineering and project support. Its main products, PIAS and LOCOPIAS, support ship design and onboard operations and meet the latest legislative and classification requirements. PIAS is used by over 100 organisations, while LOCOPIAS is installed on more than 1,000 vessels.
In addition to software development, SARC provides project support for shipyards, design offices, and owners, using in-house tools to deliver efficient calculations, stability analysis, design studies, hull fairing, and optimisation.
Ulstein Group
Ulstein is a third-generation, family-owned company founded in 1917 and headquartered in Ulsteinvik, Norway. It is internationally recognised for ship design, shipbuilding, and advanced maritime system solutions. With a vision to create sustainable solutions for future marine operations, Ulstein continuously adapts and innovates through strong collaboration within the maritime cluster, including energy companies, shipowners, suppliers, and shipbuilders.
Ulstein’s core values — Innovate, Engage, and Advance — guide its work: turning ideas into reality, fostering committed collaboration, and continuously seeking improvement and new opportunities.
Gondan Shipbuilders
Founded in 1925, GONDAN Shipbuilders has become a benchmark in the marine industry, delivering a wide range of tailor-made vessels that combine traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, developing energy-efficient solutions and handling highly complex projects.
Recent milestones include the construction of vessel 506, an autonomous USV, and vessel 513, the largest OESV in its history. Close customer collaboration ensures each vessel meets specific operational needs, supporting long-term partnerships.
NHL Stenden
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences is an innovative, internationally oriented institution offering practice-based programs across hospitality, business, engineering, and the arts. With campuses in the Netherlands and abroad, it emphasises creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning supported by strong industry links.
The Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz (MIWB) on Terschelling, with over a century of maritime education, provides specialised training in navigation, engineering, and maritime management. Its unique Wadden Sea location and cutting-edge facilities enable practical, industry-aligned learning.
University of Turku
The University of Turku (UTU), Finland’s second largest multidisciplinary university, is an internationally competitive, research-led institution ranked among the top 400 globally (QS 2025). With eight faculties and several independent units, UTU hosts about 22,000 students and 3,500 staff, and is active in international networks such as the Coimbra Group and EC2U Alliance.
UTU promotes high-quality, multidisciplinary research and education, including the maritime and seafaring thematic area linked to SEUS. The Faculty of Technology, established in 2021, includes departments of Computing, Biotechnology, and Mechanical and Materials Engineering and works closely with industry to address complex societal challenges.
How the partners fit together
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Project contacts and department details are on the Contact page.