Autonomous shipping is crucial in future transport of goods and people. Trondheimsfjorden Test Area for Autonomous Ships was established in 2016 as the world’s first test area for autonomous ships, to enable the transformation from traditional to autonomous shipping. This project will develop infrastructure and methods for testing and verification of technologies and concepts. This will ensure verification of high level of security, safety and operability, and to build trustworthiness to autonomous shipping. Autonomous shipping is enabled by several technologies like communication infrastructure, positioning technologies, advanced sensors, machine-learning, artificial intelligence and improved connectivity (Internet of Things). The mission of Trondheimsfjorden are:
 
• foster knowledge building
• stimulate technology development
• drive innovation
• develop rules and regulations
• test and verify concepts and solutions