Connectivity transforms maritime industry, critical to transformations in drilling as well

As the drilling industry continues to adopt automation and digitalization tools, the strength of cellular networks and low earth orbit satellite connections are becoming increasingly important. In this interview with DC taken from the 2025 SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference in Stavanger, Norway, on 4 March, Bjørn Jalving, CTO of Kongsberg Maritime, discussed how advancements in connectivity have transformed the maritime industry and why connectivity is critical to drilling, as well. He also spoke about the concept of a connected vessel and the challenges of creating a connected ecosystem for DP3 (dynamic positioning 3) vessels. Mr Jalving gave a keynote address at a workshop co-hosted by SPE’s Drilling Systems Automation Technical Section (DSATS) and the IADC Advanced Rig Technology Committee (ART).