A critical mission: Protecting Norway's borders above and below the surface
The Norwegian Customs plays a vital role in protecting Norway's borders and ensuring that all goods crossing them do so legally. Every day, officers work to safeguard the country's economy, environment, and citizens, not only on land, but also at sea, where thousands of vessels of all sizes enter Norwegian waters each year.
This work involves preventing illegal imports and exports, ensuring correct declaration of goods, and protecting the public from products that could harm health, safety, or biodiversity. Among other things, the Norwegian Customs prevents the illegal import and export of:
- Narcotics and weapons
- Health-threatening counterfeit goods and endangered species
- Fake medicines and contaminated food
Such responsibilities demand a wide presence across Norway's coastline and harbors, and to succeed in this mission the Customs must be present wherever goods move, including below the waterline.
Our main task is to prevent the import and export of illegal or restricted goods and ensure compliance with customs regulations. That means we must operate at sea, both above and below the surface. - Christer Malt, Maritime Operations, Norwegian Customs.
Smuggling below the waterline: A growing international challenge
Smuggling methods have evolved rapidly over the past decade. Enforcement agencies around the world have uncovered creative concealment tactics such as hidden compartments in ship hulls, false ballast tanks, or magnetic containers attached to the underside of vessels.
As a result, underwater inspections have become a growing necessity for maritime border control. Earlier, these operations required trained divers, detailed planning, and complex logistics. To meet these evolving threats, the Norwegian Customs is adopting new working methods and modern technology that make inspections both safer and more efficient.
Smarter inspection methods
ROV technology has transformed how maritime inspections can be carried out. Instead of sending divers into the water, customs officers can now launch a Blueye underwater drone directly from the dock or patrol boat. Within minutes, the ROV can maneuver beneath a vessel, inspect hulls, propellers, or ballast areas, and stream live video back to the operator onshore.
In the past, we relied on partner agencies for diving services during these types of inspections. With our own ROV system, we can now perform inspections much more frequently, with the same high quality, but in a far more efficient way. - Christer Malt, Maritime Operations, Norwegian Customs.
This shift allows officers to conduct more inspections per day, at a lower cost and with significantly reduced risk to personnel. Because the ROVs are compact and easily deployable, inspections can take place spontaneously, whenever a situation arises, rather than depending on external resources and scheduling.
Like other enforcement agencies, we sometime handle assignments that cannot be shared externally. That's why it's crucial to have our own capacity to complete such missions. With ROV systems, we can deliver fast, high-quality results, being in the right place, at the right time, with the right people and equipment. - Christer Malt, Maritime Operations, Norwegian Customs.
Building in-house underwater capability gives the Norwegian Customs greater flexibility and preparedness. In situations where smuggling is suspected, officers can act immediately, without waiting for diving support. At the same time, the Customs continues to collaborate with external partners when larger coordinated operations are needed.
Key outcomes of Blueye ROV technology for the Norwegian Customs
- Reduced reliance on divers
- Faster deployment
- More focus on the operation
- Lower costs and risk to personnel
From training to real-world use
Introducing a new technology is not just about having the right equipment, it's about building the right skills. As part of the implementation process, Norwegian Customs carried out a training program, where officers received hands-on experience operating the ROVs in realistic maritime settings.
The training sessions took place in harbor environments, with exercises focused on inspecting ship hulls, propellers, dock structures, and harbor basins. These practical sessions allowed operators to gain confidence in piloting the ROVs and valuable insight into how the technology can be used in day-to-day operations.
The system is incredibly user-friendly and quick to deploy. For us, that means we can focus more on the inspection work itself and less on technical setup and system support. - Christer Malt, Maritime Operations, Norwegian Customs.
The Blueye ROVs are designed for ease of use and operational reliability. Weighing less than 10 kg, the drones can be deployed by a single person and deliver high-quality video. For public agencies like the Norwegian Customs, this combination of portability, robustness, and user-friendliness makes the system valuable.
Technology that strengthens a public mission
At its core, the adoption of ROV technology is not about replacing people, it's about giving them better tools. For the Norwegian Customs, ROVs are a means to strengthen their public mission: to ensure secure and fair trade while protecting society from illegal activities.
By reducing the need for diving operations, ROVs help minimize risk to personnel and lower operational costs. At the same time, faster deployment and improved mobility make it possible to perform more inspections with the same resources.
It allows us to make better use of the money we invest in the time we spend training our own personnel, and ultimately give back to society by keeping Norway as safe as possible. - Christer Malt, Maritime Operations, Norwegian Customs.
The integration of ROVs into the Norwegian Customs' toolkit not only increases efficiency but also supports Norway's broader national preparedness. By combining technical innovation with skilled personnel and professional expertise, the Customs ensures that maritime border control remains strong, adaptive, and ready for the future.
The future of border control operates both above and below the surface
The Norwegian Customs' investment in underwater inspection technology represents a forward-looking approach to a traditional mission. While the methods are changing, the objective remains the same: to protect Norway's borders, ensure fair commerce, and safeguard the welfare of citizens and businesses. By embracing new tools and continuous learning, the Customs demonstrates how innovation can enhance public service without compromising safety or integrity.
With ROV technology, experienced personnel, and a clear public mandate, the Norwegian Customs is well-equipped to continue its vital work, both above and below the surface. Blueye is proud to deliver technology that supports the Customs' mission and contributes to safer, more forward-looking inspection operations along the Norwegian coast.
