‘Smart ship’ tech centre launches on the Solent

A pioneering new research centre exploring ‘maritime autonomy’ including smart ships and autonomous craft has launched at Warsash Maritime School, part of Solent University, Southampton.

The Warsash Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Research Centre (WMRC) will look at maritime autonomy, from smart ships and smart ports to the human aspect of working alongside smart technology, including marine training and consulting.

Welcoming representatives from the university’s international stakeholder community to the event, vice-chancellor professor Karen Stanton says the facility was the “first step to help Solent develop a world-class ‘centre of excellence’ and become an international leader in maritime research.”

The maritime industry has seen rapid technological development across the globe through the development of smart ships and MASS (with a small crew or un-crewed), often in combination with zero-emission propulsion systems. Although there have been significant advances in MASS technologies, little research has been carried out on analysing the human-machine interface and seafarer training needs for working with smart ships, smart ports, and MASS.

“Our overarching aim is to drive forward maritime education, training, research and innovation to support this challenging technology – in practical ways, in real terms and above all with the safety of people and the industry in mind,” says Professor Syamantak Bhattacharya, pro-vice chancellor, Research & Knowledge Exchange.

Stanton continues: “Our programmes feature ‘academic industry’ collaborative knowledge exchange and targeted opportunities from business and industry. We are committed to actively contributing to the development of human capital in key industries around the world, through the delivery of education and training, and collaborative research and knowledge exchange. And this is indeed reflected in our new Strategy 2025, which marks Research & Knowledge Exchange as one of our three priorities.”

A recording of the event, including the presentation and a panel discussion on the impacts MASS has on future maritime education and training, can be found on Solent University’s YouTube channel.

The government’s UK Maritime 2050 Technology & Innovation Route Map identifies the role of people in the future of maritime and its wish to retain the valuable experience of existing seafarers. To support this, the WMRC is exploring the pedagogical, professional education, and training requirements to create a future-ready workforce to operate with these technologies.

Associate Professor Zakirul Bhuiyan, director of WMRC, who gave a presentation on the Warsash Maritime School, adds: “Warsash Maritime School, part of Solent University, is exceptionally well placed for this new research centre. It has one of the most comprehensive offers in maritime education and training, is home to the largest maritime simulation centre in the UK and has one of only five manned-model ship handling centres. Establishing the new research centre is a logical step. 

“The centre will offer a much-needed platform from which to provide collaborative research with like-minded researchers, industry, academia and government organisations.”