A slew of announcements have been made by the Australian Maritime College, part of the University of Tasmania, in areas as diverse as robot ships and watercraft, a new engineering hub, and a new research hub too.
Robot ships collaboration
AMC Search and Lloyd’s Register have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (“MASS” i.e. robot ships) sector and Autonomous Surface vessel systems.
“The work from the MOU will support verification and validation activities for the IMO MASS draft code and ensure future readiness of Autonomous Navigation System Decision-Making Software for compliance with the International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea,” reads a statement.
Maritime engineering and innovation
AMC has announced that it will establish an “engineering and R&D hub” that will start work in early 2026, with research programmes to start thereafter. According to the AMC the hub will bring researchers, industry, and government together to improve ship maintenance, technology, and workforce training. The AMC added that the Maritime Sustainment Infrastructure Engineering R&D Hub will tackle real-world challenges in shipyard modernisation, digitalisation, and operational efficiency. The new facility will focus on testing and validating advanced systems, materials, and digital solutions.
The facility is established in partnership with ASSIST Maritime, a government led project to establish a scalable model for standardised shipyard sustainment infrastructure.
A new research and testing hub
A new research, development, innovation and testing facility will bring together maritime design expertise from the UK’s SubSea Craft to the AMC’s research and testing facilities. The new facility will cover about 250 square metres and will have direct waterfront access. The site will include workshops, offices, and collaborative spaces.
“Our investment in Tasmania reflects our confidence in the region and our commitment to serving customers across Australia and the Indo-Pacific,” said, SubSea Craft CEO, Carmilla Martin.
