Maritime autonomy research centre launched
Autonomy from smart ships to smart ports will be explored at a new research centre in Southampton.
Solent University has launched a research cen.tre to explore maritime autonomy, systems, teaching and consultancy in a bid to become an international leader in maritime research.
The Warsash MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships) Research Centre is part of Solent University in Southampton and has been launched to look at all areas of autonomy in shipping and ports.
”Our programmes feature ’academic industry’ collaborative knowledge exchange and targeted opportunities from business and industry,” said vice-chancellor Karen Stanton.
”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.”
The new wave of autonomous technology has seen rapid changes in the maritime industry but the changes, together with the drive towards zero-emission propulsion systems and so on, have not been receiving the attention they deserve with regard to the human element, Stanton says.
”Although there have been significant advances in MASS technologies, little research has been carried out on analysing the human element, the human-machine interface and seafarer training needs for working with Smart Ships, Smart Ports and MASS,” says Stanton.
Professor Syamantak Bhattacharya, pro-vice chancellor, Research & Knowledge Exchange, said the overarching aim was to drive education, training, research and innoation ’to support this challenging technology – in practical ways, in real terms and above all with the safety of people and the industry in mind’.
