Conference Theme
Venue: University of South-Eastern Norway,
Campus Kongsberg
28th June – 1st July 2026
Keynote 2
Date & Time: 29/06 from 13:00 – 14:00
Speaker: Hildegunn McLernon,
Senior Vice President Technology Office, Kongsberg Maritime
Title: Vessel of the future – an integrated system of system approach
Abstract: The maritime industry is facing increasing system complexity driven by rapid technological development, growing requirements, limited standardization, and diverse operational demands across market segments. As vessels evolve into highly connected, software‑intensive systems, value creation increasingly depends on how effectively multiple products, platforms, and partners are integrated into coherent system‑of‑systems solutions. This presentation demonstrates how Kongsberg Maritime applies systems engineering to manage this complexity and enable reliable, safe, and sustainable vessel infrastructures of the future.
Bio: Hildegunn McLernon holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Glasgow and an MBA from Edinburgh Napier University. She has more than 25 years of international experience across Kongsberg Maritime and TechnipFMC, including over 15 years in senior leadership roles. Her expertise spans technology strategy, systems engineering, technical safety and reliability, digital, and engineering leadership, with a strong focus on managing complexity and delivering integrated solutions across the value chain. She has led major programs, projects, and cross‑organizational collaborations to deliver sustainable and impactful results.
Keynote 3
Date & Time: 30/06 from 09:00 – 10:00
Speaker: Karen V. Czachorowski,
Digital Technology Lead, Aker BP
Title: Agentic AI: Orchestrating the Industrial System of Systems
Abstract: This keynote explores the potential of Agentic AI as an orchestration layer for complex industrial “systems of systems.” Drawing on Aker BP’s AI-native strategy, we outline the proposed framework and building blocks—such as common context, secure tool access, and governance—necessary to move from simple interoperability to agentic cooperation. Through conceptual and early-stage use cases and development examples, this keynote illustrates how this emerging layer can help independent systems reason and act together safely in safety-critical environments.
Bio: Dr. Karen V. Czachorowski is a Digital Technology Lead at Aker BP, driving the intersection of industrial operations and advanced digital solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the energy, consumer goods (FMCG), and technology sectors, Karen spearheads digital transformation initiatives focused on Agentic AI and industrial digital twins. Originally from Brazil and based in Norway for the past decade, she holds a PhD in Systems Engineering & Nautical Operations from the University of South-Eastern Norway. Her work is characterized by a systemic approach to solving industrial inefficiencies, focusing on the practical implementation of AI to transform complex workflows. Beyond her corporate role, Karen is a recognized international speaker and thought leader in applying Industrial Agents to solve data quality and execution bottlenecks in the energy sector.
Keynote 4
Date & Time: 30/06 from 13:00 – 14:00
Speaker: Jørgen Hals,
Lead Scientist, Corpower Ocean
Title: Solving Multi-diciplinary and Complex Problems
Abstract: At the conference Todalshaug will share views on how the company has addressed challenges in a solving multi-disciplinary and complex problems, and now, as the company is moving into industrialisation, link this to a system of systems perspective.
Bio: Jørgen Hals Todalshaug is an experienced scientist with a passion for sustainability and renewable energy. His work has been focused on floating systems for conversion of wind and wave energy. Jørgen has a master’s degree in physics, and a PhD degree in wave energy conversion from NTNU in Norway. He is now serving as lead scientist at CorPower Ocean AB, one of today’s leading companies in the development and industrialisation of wave energy technology.
About CorPower Ocean: Headquartered in Sweden, and with offices also in Portugal, Norway and Scotland, CorPower Ocean currently counts about 100 employees from 22 different countries. The company’s mission is to contribute to the energy transition by enabling the harvest of energy from ocean waves readily available along coasts around the world. CorPower Ocean has followed a staged development programme recommended by the International energy agency, which along with a research-based multi-disciplinary approach has resulted in a technology that is both robust and cost efficient.