Japanese researchers have access to the largest scientific vessel ever constructed, one that has a 120 metre tall derrick capable of drilling to 7500 metres below the seafloor. They’re using it to hunt for life deep under the seafloor and explore for mineral deposits at the bottom of the ocean — topics that are of great interest to Norwegian researchers.
Given that 70 percent of the Earth’s surface consists of water, the oceans will be the new arenas for more economic development in the future. NTNU is exploring the ocean depths using new technologies.