Naustet is a joint initiative between NTNUI and the technical student organizations Vortex NTNU and Njord. Together, they aim to establish a permanent and functional ocean-student center at Skippergata 13 in Nyhavna. The project creates an environment that connects marine technology, sports, and student engagement.

The goal is to develop a vibrant community space where students can innovate technology, practice sports, and build fellowship—all in immediate proximity to the sea. Naustet will function as a workshop, testing base, training arena, and social meeting place for several hundred students.

With Naustet, Vortex and Njord will—for the first time—have workshop and testing facilities located right by the Trondheimsfjord. For organizations working with underwater drones and autonomous vessels, access to the sea is absolutely essential. This proximity makes operations easier and more efficient. It enables faster development cycles, and with more space than they have today, the organizations can grow.

Several sports groups also depend on access to water for training and equipment storage. Naustet will provide these sports with a permanent and functional home, making water-based activities far more accessible for students in Trondheim. This project strengthens academic development, student welfare, and their social environments.

We in the Student Welfare Council have chosen to grant NOK 1.5 million as a one-time contribution to this project. These student organizations provide excellent social offerings for their members, but they also contribute to an important societal mission. Norway has a long coastline with many fjords, where marine research plays a key role.

The area around the boathouse is a priority development zone for the City of Trondheim, which makes Naustet a perfect fit: a vibrant student community tightly connected to the ocean space, innovation, and sports. This is not only something that will benefit Trondheim as a city, but Norway as a country. Its worth mentioning after all, we are a student city.