The Arctic Ocean 2050: FFI participates in historic polar research initiative
The Arctic Ocean is melting. What are the consequences for ecosystems, climate, society, and geopolitics? The Norwegian government has now pledged one billion NOK to Norway’s largest research project: The Arctic Ocean 2050 (Polhavet 2050).
On August 27, 2025, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced at a press conference at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø – that the government will increase its investment in polar research by one billion NOK over the next ten years, starting in 2026.
The Arctic Ocean 2050 is a major interdisciplinary research project involving eighteen scientific institutions across Norway. It will explore the consequences of the Arctic Ocean turning ice-free for several months each year – a first in modern human history. The project will address topics such as security, geopolitics, maritime law, the environment, climate, energy, and more.
The initiative is planned as a ten-year program (2026–2036), with a request for 100 million NOK annually in Norway’s government budget. The government is committed to this funding.
‘It’s a historic boost. When the Arctic Ocean shifts from white to blue, it opens a big, unknown box. Some things we do know, but the most important is what we do not know – and we must find out,’ said Prime Minister Støre.
Norway takes global leadership
‘We’re very pleased that the government is taking this seriously and that we’re now united in preparing Norway for what’s coming,’ said Jørgen Berge from UiT, chair of The Arctic Ocean 2050.
‘In a few decades, the Arctic Ocean may be ice-free. The world and Norway must be prepared. Through The Arctic Ocean 2050, Norway is taking global leadership,’ Berge added.
Vice-chair of The Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center Tore Furevik also praised the government’s priorities, expecting the project to be an international beacon leading up to the International Polar Year 2032/2033.
FFI’s role
‘It’s very gratifying that The Arctic Ocean 2050 has received funding and is becoming a reality. Climate change affects both the future operations of the Armed Forces and the geopolitical interest in the Arctic. The knowledge generated will be valuable for FFI’s support and advice to the Armed Forces,’ says Kenneth Ruud, Director General of FFI.