more than 50 years of history
Founded in 1975 at Fiskebøl, Norway, NorLense AS has been a pioneer in the development of modern oil spill recovery equipment.
The company’s trajectory shifted significantly in 1977 following the Bravo blowout in the North Sea. In response to the incident, the Norwegian government established a national preparedness network consisting of 15 coastal depots. NorLense was awarded the pivotal contract to produce and test the offshore oil containment booms for this entire network, leading to a commercial breakthrough in 1978.
Innovation as a Core Value
Continuous development has always been the heartbeat of NorLense.
Between 1988 and 1992, the company invested heavily in developing the Ring and Spiral-Boom with self-inflation technology. This was a market revolution; by requiring fewer personnel and less time for deployment and retrieval, it simplified training and allowed for more frequent, effective recovery exercises.
By the 1990s, the Ring and Spiral-boom became the industry standard for oil field preparedness in the North Sea. It was subsequently adopted by NOFO (Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies), the organization managing oil spill response on the Norwegian continental shelf. As NOFO is a global trendsetter, NorLense’s partnership with them paved the way for international exports to countries adopting similar preparedness structures.
Breaking Records: The NorLense Oil Trawl
Innovation continued into the next decade. Between 2010 and 2013, NorLense developed the Oil Trawl, a system that redefined efficiency in oil collection and retention. In realistic sea trials, the system demonstrated a 95% recovery efficiency at speeds of up to 5 knots, significantly faster than traditional recovery systems.
* NOFO: Establishes and maintain oil spill preparedness on the Norwegian Continental Shelf
From Ocean to Land: Defense and Humanitarian Solutions
Leveraging decades of expertise in marine and oil spill recovery, NorLense has adapted its unique high-pressure inflation technology for use on land. Through close collaboration with the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Civil Defense, the company developed a range of rapidly deployable high-pressure shelters (tents).
Following the successful delivery of its first shelter in 2000, NorLense has become a global provider of specialized shelter solutions for military and humanitarian organizations. These systems are designed for durability and ease of use in the most demanding environments.
Stability Through Strategic Partnership
In response to increased global competition and a period of lower activity within the oil industry, NorLense sought industrial partners to secure its future. In 2016, the company welcomed new, local shareholders committed to a long-term growth strategy.
This transition has provided NorLense with the financial stability and industrial insight necessary to continue developing innovative products, ensuring we remain a reliable partner for our customers worldwide.
Oil Spill Recovery
NorLense is one of the world’s leading companies for development and manufacture of Oil Spill Emergency Equipment.
shelter solutions
NorLense develops and manufactures inflatable tents based on our unique High-pressure Inflation Technology. This technology allows a quick and easy set up in any climate.
aquaculture
NorLense has 40+ years of experience in the marine sector/oil industry with strict quality requirements. A valuable experience which we have passed on to the Aquaculture sector.
tailor made
At NorLense we realize that the specific and diverse needs of our customer’s calls for customized systems.
