Eelume AS
Eelume is a Norwegian subsea robotics company that builds a snake-like underwater vehicle for inspection and light intervention. The company began in 2015 as a spin-off from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, with NTNU professor Kristin Ytterstad Pettersen among its founders. Its articulated, jointed robot can stay resident on the seabed for months, launching from a docking station without a surface vessel, and can carry different sensors and tools for inspection, survey and light intervention tasks. Its slender body reaches places that larger underwater vehicles cannot. Equinor, Kongsberg Maritime, the Research Council of Norway and Innovation Norway funded the start-up phase. In November 2021 Eelume raised NOK 36 million in a round led by Kongsberg Gruppen and Equinor, which together became majority owners with 70 percent. Argeo signed the first commercial contract for the technology in 2021.
💡Notable Achievement: Eelume raised NOK 36 million in November 2021 in a round led by Kongsberg Gruppen and Equinor, which together own 70 percent of the company.
What Does Eelume AS Do?
Eelume is a Trondheim spin-off from NTNU that builds a snake-like underwater robot able to live on the seabed for months and carry out inspection and light intervention without a surface vessel.
“A snake-shaped subsea robot that stays underwater.”
Snake Body
A slender jointed vehicle that can reach tight spaces.
Subsea Resident
Operates for months from a seabed docking station.
Industry Owners
Equinor and Kongsberg hold 70 percent between them.
What Can Eelume AS Robots Actually Do?
Cross-portfolio operational capabilities, manipulation tasks, and environmental competencies
Autonomous subsea inspection and light intervention.
Subsea Inspection
Carries sensors and tools for inspection, survey and light intervention.
Eelume AS Robots
Showing 1 of 1 total model
Eelume
Manufactured by Eelume AS
Eelume is a modular, snake-like articulated underwater robot designed for permanent subsea residency, enabling 24/7 inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) operations on underwater structures like oil/gas installations and offshore wind farms. Its flexible body combines serpentine maneuverability with thrusters for 6 DOF movement, accessing confined spaces inaccessible to traditional ROVs/AUVs, performing tasks such as visual inspections, cleaning, valve operations, and light interventions using dual-arm configurations, torque tools, and grippers. Resident operation eliminates surface vessel needs, reducing costs, CO2 emissions, and HSE risks while providing frequent data for predictive maintenance. Equipped with multi-sensors, HD cameras, and customizable payloads, it supports tethered teleoperation or autonomy in challenging currents and depths up to 3000m.
Eelume AS Timeline & Milestones
Evolutionary history, landmark prototypes, major acquisitions, and commercial roadmap
Eelume founded as an NTNU spin-off
Eelume begins as a spin-off from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology to commercialise a snake-like underwater robot.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Subsea tests near Trondheim
Eelume tests its robot at the Prezioso Linjebygg Subsea Test Center near Trondheim during November and December 2016.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Argeo signs first commercial contract
Argeo chooses Eelume, supported by Kongsberg Maritime, for autonomous underwater inspection in the first commercial contract for its snake robot technology.
Source: mynewsdesk.com
NOK 36 million round led by Kongsberg and Equinor
Eelume raises NOK 36 million at a valuation of NOK 89 million, leaving Equinor and Kongsberg Gruppen with 70 percent of the company between them.
Source: mainsights.io
What Makes Eelume AS Different?
Editorial AnalysisOrigin of Bots objective strategic assessment, engineering moats, and commercial hurdles
Key Strengths & Moats
- ✓Backed by Equinor and Kongsberg, two large offshore customers and owners.
- ✓First commercial contract signed with Argeo in 2021.
Core Strategic Focus
Commercial subsea inspection deployments.
Road Ahead & Challenges
- •Small company with a NOK 89 million valuation in 2021.
- •Subsea residency depends on offshore operators adopting new workflows.
Corporate Ecosystem & Ownership Structure
Parent company relationships, historical acquisitions, and global operating facilities
Equinor
With Kongsberg Gruppen holds 70 percent of Eelume after the November 2021 round.
Ownership & Acquisition History
With Kongsberg Gruppen holds 70 percent of Eelume after the November 2021 round.
Supports Eelume commercially, including the Argeo contract.
Eelume began in 2015 as a spin-off from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Global Facilities & Operating Hubs
Eelume AS Headquarters
HQTrondheim, Norway
Articles & Industry News
Showing 1 recent article and news updates about Eelume AS
Frequently Asked Questions
8 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about Eelume AS
What is Eelume?
Eelume is a Norwegian company that builds a snake-like underwater robot for subsea inspection, survey and light intervention. It spun out of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in 2015.
What does the Eelume robot do?
The Eelume robot is an articulated, autonomous subsea vehicle that can carry sensors and tools to inspect subsea structures, survey them and perform light intervention tasks without a support vessel on the surface.
How long can Eelume stay underwater?
Eelume is designed to be subsea-resident for months, operating from a docking station on the seabed. This removes the need for a surface vessel to launch and recover it for each mission.
Who owns Eelume?
Equinor and Kongsberg Gruppen became majority owners with a combined 70 percent after a NOK 36 million funding round in November 2021 that valued the company at NOK 89 million.
Who funded Eelume in its early years?
Equinor, Kongsberg Maritime, the Research Council of Norway and Innovation Norway funded Eelume during its start-up phase after the 2015 spin-off from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Who was Eelume's first commercial customer?
Argeo signed the first commercial contract for Eelume's snake robot technology in 2021, choosing the autonomous inspection solution with support from Kongsberg Maritime.
Where is Eelume based?
Eelume is based in Trondheim, Norway, where the company was tested in the Trondheim Fjord and at a subsea test centre near the city in late 2016.
Can Eelume carry different tools?
Yes. Eelume's robot can carry different sensors and connect to a range of tools and payloads, so the same vehicle can be configured for inspection, survey or light intervention missions.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official Eelume AS datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.