Navantia: Establishment of Naval Research Centre at (AMC).

Navantia Australia has officially announced the establishment of a cutting-edge Naval Research Centre at the Australian Maritime College (AMC).

Australia’s naval capabilities

This collaboration will drive innovation and strengthen Australia’s naval capabilities, opening up new opportunities for students, researchers, and the broader industry with a focus on advancing technologies like autonomous systems and shipbuilding, the Naval Research Centre at AMC is set to become a hub for future maritime developments.

Signed in Launceston

An agreement signed in Launceston between AMC and Navantia Australia marks a significant step forward in the establishment of the Centre, which will offer unique opportunities for students and researchers working at the cutting edge of innovation in ship building and design.

Naval design

The partnership brings together AMC’s world-class research capabilities and Navantia Australia’s industry leadership in naval design capability. It will foster industry collaboration with AMC’s academics and students, contribute to creating and keeping high tech jobs in Australia and help to secure Australia’s sovereignty in the naval domain.

Areas of priority

Areas of priority in ship building and design research include innovations to keep Australian vessels and sailors safe during naval operations and improvements to the efficiency and environmental footprint of vessels.

Malcolm Wise, Principal of the Australian Maritime College, said this collaboration, underpinned by specialist research capability and advanced facilities, positioned the AMC at the forefront of naval research.

Specialist research areas

“These specialist research areas include underwater acoustics, hydrodynamic optimisation, model-based simulation, and underwater shock and vibration,” Mr Wise said.

AMC’s state-of-the-art hydrodynamic facilities, including a 100-metre towing tank and Australia’s only cavitation laboratory, will be critical to the Centre’s operations.

Navantia Australia Managing Director Israel Lozano said he was excited to be collaborating with the AMC on innovative technological solutions.

Creating this innovation hub

“By combining AMC’s cutting-edge research capabilities with Navantia’s 400 years of experience in naval ship design, we are creating this innovation hub for the future of the Australian naval industry.

“This collaboration will advance critical research needed for the Royal Australian Navy in niche areas such as platform signatures, hull form optimisation, ship system optimisation, and model-based simulations for digital twins.

Tasmania’s role

“It will also reinforce Tasmania’s role as a leader in naval research. Together, we look forward to developing solutions that will enhance Australia’s naval capabilities for years to come.”

Navantia Australia, which has played a major role in the delivery and sustainment of over 60 per cent of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet, is committed to growing Australia’s naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry.

The Naval Research Centre will officially begin operations in early 2025.

About The Australian Maritime College

The Australian Maritime College (AMC) at the University of Tasmania is the national institute for maritime education, training and research. AMC has a global reputation for its high-quality education and research, producing first-class graduates keenly desired by industry, and research with broad impact.

Within Australia, the growing maritime, defence, marine, renewable energy and offshore sectors provide exciting and strategic areas of growth for AMC, and for its researchers and students. AMC’s suite of specialist facilities are internationally acclaimed and are used by government and industry world-wide.

Additionally, their experienced teaching and research staff have strong links to industry, ensuring students are ready for careers of the future, with direct pathways into the workforce.