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The University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) Australian Maritime College will soon be home to a new naval research centre in Launceston, consolidating Tasmania’s position at the forefront of maritime research and innovation.
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The agreement signed in Launceston between Australian Maritime College (AMC) and Navantia Australia is a major milestone, a step forward for AMC’s development and will provide students and researchers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge innovation across shipbuilding and design.
This collaborative partnership combines AMC’s world-class research capabilities and Navantia Australia’s industry leadership in naval design capability.
The partners anticipate that this new facility 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.
Malcolm Wise, principal of AMC, said this collaboration, underpinned by specialist research capability and advanced facilities, positions AMC at the forefront of naval research.
“These specialist research areas include underwater acoustics, hydrodynamic optimisation, model-based simulation, and underwater shock and vibration,” 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 is excited to be collaborating with the AMC on innovative technological solutions, saying, “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.”
Lozano added, “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.”
Jeremy Rockliff, Tasmanian Premier and minister for trade and major investment, welcomed this announcement, stressing the state’s relationship with Navantia Australia and the growing success of the state’s defence industry.
Premier Rockliff said, “Navantia Australia’s decision to establish their naval research centre at AMC is a significant milestone for both Navantia Australia and the precinct and will further Australia’s defence and maritime shipbuilding capabilities.
“This will also support our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future to create more jobs and help keep our economy strong, with Tasmanian manufacturers playing an important role in Navantia Australia’s supply chains.”
The Tasmanian government supported UTAS’ vision to establish a Defence and Maritime Innovation and Design Precinct and that vision is now well and truly a reality.
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.
