Centres of Excellence

Materials Discovery, device development

The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) is a globally-recognised centre of excellence in innovative manufacturing technologies, R&D, and metal forming and forging research

The Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute (AMPI) is an industry led institute driving innovation for the UK’s advanced machinery designers, manufacturers and users.
It is led by the National Physical laboratory in collaboration with SMEs, Universities, and local authority in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
NPL offers products and services, including precision measurement, instruments, calibration, consultancy and training, across various sectors.

The AMRC has specialist expertise in digital manufacturing, machine learning and artificial intelligence, composites, casting, automation and robotics, nuclear manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing, design and prototyping, and training.
It has a global reputation for helping companies overcome manufacturing challenges and has become a model for collaborative research involving universities, academics and industry, worldwide.
Welding R&D at the AMRC focuses on developing advanced and innovative joining and cladding techniques tailored to the needs of the nuclear industry

Through Life Management of Nuclear Plant across Design, Manufacture, Operation, Decommissioning & End States.
Research on Sensing, Automation, Industrial Informatics, Remediation, Power Engineering & Superconductivity, Lasers & Accelerators, Risk & Decision Support

The AI Standards Hub is dedicated to the evolving and international field of standardisation for AI technologies.
It is a partnership between the Alan Turing Institute, NPL and the British Standards Institution, supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Office for AI.
We develop techniques to improve the quality, traceability and reliability of data, as well as understanding measurement uncertainties.
We are developing tools for ensuring the trustworthiness of AI, implementing them in collaboration with end users, and using them to incorporate AI into measurement science.

The Alan Turing Institute is the UK's national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
The Institute was founded in 2015 with a clear and compelling purpose: ‘To make great leaps in the development and use of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in order to change the world for the better.’
Data science and AI technologies will continue to evolve in unpredictable ways, and the speed of these developments will make it increasingly difficult to connect the people, ideas and data required to make progress against important societal issues.
The Turing will provide an end-to-end, interdisciplinary pathway in data science and AI that enables impact at scale and major progress against societal challenges.
A grand challenge-led approach for Turing’s science and innovation agenda provides the common focus, clear direction and a mandate to prioritise activity, as well as the inspiration and motivation for diverse communities and capabilities to come together in support of these organising principles.
In alignment with national priority areas, we have selected the following areas of focus for grand challenges: Defence and National Security, Environment and Sustainability, and Transformation of Health.

Aluminium craft construction 8-50m all co-located on the Isle of Wight

Expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), optimisation techniques, advanced control systems engineering theory, multi-sensor data fusion, marine vehicle dynamics, industrial dynamics, thermodynamics and fluids, smart materials, marine power plant, marine vehicles performance prediction, marine propulsion, integrated navigation systems and marine renewable energy

Offshore wind exploitation in Celtic Sea

In response to climate change imperatives, C-DORE’s work aligns with the UK's net zero, energy security and clean maritime agendas

Partner with businesses to develop low-emissions, high-efficiency integrated power systems for applications in the aerospace, automotive, marine, and rail sectors. Driving the next generation towards zero carbon.

Sustainable programme of research in four key themes, Maritime Safety, de-Carbonisation, Efficiency and Digitalisation

The UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub (UK-MaRes Hub) aims to accelerate the decarbonisation and elimination of air pollution from maritime activity in ports and at sea.
As well as environmental impacts, the Hub will also focus on the potential economic and social benefits of transitioning to a clean maritime future.

The UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, the built environment, cities and local growth

Leading-edge energy storage and alternative fuel technology innovation. Cleaner, greener transportation.
Plays a role in energy storage by supporting the development of advanced battery materials and energy storage systems.
Help companies innovate in areas like battery materials, thermal energy storage, and commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage.
Focuses on improving performance, sustainability, and commercial viability of energy storage solutions.

The DAFNI (Data & Analytics Facility for National Infrastructure) is a key technology platform, part of the UK's National Digital Twin Programme, facilitating the development of Digital Twins for infrastructure systems, assets, and processes.
DAFNI supports the creation of these digital twins by providing secure data storage, computing power, and expert knowledge.

Test demonstrate and commercialise innovative digital and robotic products and services for the offshore renewable energy market

Provide a UK network of open access facilities, growing world class design, manufacturing, test and validation capabilities; and work with industrial partners to develop UK supply chains, accelerating delivery of PEMD solutions to global markets

Accelerate digital technology adoption to benefit the UK

A scientific research institute. DIRDI is focused on commercialisation of scientific outputs.
Centre for Underwater Acoustic Analysis (CUAA) conducts research on the behaviour of sound underwater, as well as the informational techniques by which received acoustic signals are processed, in order to inform the development and optimisation of novel submarine acoustic technologies.

National facility for battery research across the R&D process from materials and electrochemistry through to application integration and recycling / re-use

Infrastructure and Engineering team offering specialist knowledge and practical experience in technology development and deployment, considering the technological, engineering, economic, regulatory and policy implications for innovations and investment decisions.

Integrated energy cluster

Demonstrating and testing wave and tidal energy converters

Reduce the cost of energy from floating wind

Investigates the hydrodynamics, turbulence and transport processes in fluvial, coastal and offshore waters, as well as airflows in the built environment

Enables environmental science at a time when our ability to observe the ocean in ever greater detail is imperative if we are to chart a sustainable future on this planet

Gear Technology Design Unit: a specialist centre with expertise in Mechanical Power Transmission Systems.
We have been delivering innovative design, development and research consultancy services since 1970.

HVM Catapult is a strategic research and innovation hub for industry, supporting the UK’s national manufacturing priorities

Innovation and research translation

The Kelvin Hydrodynamics Lab features a 76m x 4.6m x 2.5m tank, ideal for testing the performance of surface ships and various floating or underwater structures.
Research includes ship resistance, sea-keeping, unsteady motion, damaged ship survivability, hydrodynamics of towed bodies, vortex-induced vibration, wave impact, marine renewable energy, and sporting fluid dynamics.
Models up to 4m long are tested with high-quality single-frequency waves and random sea states, with wave heights over 0.5m.
The lab is equipped with resistance dynamometers for different vessel types, a six-degree-of-freedom dynamometer, up to 25 wave probes, a 3-axis fluid velocity system, a PIV system, and tools for measuring surface pressure distribution.

Composites design, manufacture and re-use. The Lightweight Manufacturing Centre (LMC) is a specialist technology centre within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
Focused on exploring the next generation of sustainable materials, products and processes for a net-zero world.
Examples include helping lighter-weight battery enclosures for electric vehicles, composite panels for aircraft wings as well as tackling heavyweight industry challenges, such as recycling wind turbines and materials like glass fibre.

Provide expertise across all aspects of manufacturing, with particular focus on manufacturing processes, assembly processes, and the use of data

The Marine Business Technology Centre (MBTC) is the gateway for accessing comprehensive research and development support as well as cutting-edge facilities and expertise.
Advanced marine autonomy, alternative propulsion, environmental monitoring, advanced materials and cyber security.
Includes the Smart Sound Plymouth.

Focused on fluid behaviour in the maritime environment and in particular the interface between the interpretation of analysis (be it experimental, numerical or theoretical) and maritime design

Focuses on offshore renewable energy engineering as well as social dimensions of marine energy

Delivers research, development and demonstration support to the marine sector, including wave energy and tidal stream energy.
Commercialisation of the wave, tidal and offshore wind sectors by reducing cost of energy.
Working to put Wales and Welsh companies at the heart of the UK’s growing marine and offshore renewable energy sectors.
Based at Pembroke Dock, the centre delivers research, development and demonstration activities to support innovation in the Welsh supply chain, accelerating the commercialisation of the wave, tidal and offshore wind sectors by reducing cost of energy.

META (Marine Energy Test Area), Wales' first and only real sea test centre, a world-leading facility and key asset for the marine energy sector.
Our Marine Energy Test Area (META) is the only pre-consented, pre-commercial test facility of its kind in Wales. A flagship Welsh project dedicated to reducing the time, cost and risks associated with deployment and commercialisation of marine energy technology.
Funded through the Swansea Bay City Deal and a keystone partner of the Pembroke Dock Marine Project, META offers testing in real sea conditions for wave, tidal and floating offshore wind (FLOW) technology in the Milford Haven Waterway, alongside world class port, engineering and manufacturing facilities.
Facilitates component, sub-assembly and device testing through pre- consented test areas in order to reduce the time, cost and risks faced and accelerate growth in the sector.

Pembroke Dock Marine will deliver the facilities, services and spaces needed to establish a world-class centre for marine engineering.

Creating spaces that help industry fabricate, launch and maintain devices

Enabling offshore renewable infrastructure to catalyse the Celtic Sea floating offshore wind and marine energy opportunities.
The Pembrokeshire Demonstration Zone (PDZ) is part of the Pembroke Dock Marine programme whose sponsor is Pembrokeshire County Council and project delivery partners include Port of Milford Haven, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Marine Energy Wales.
The emergence of Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) has catalysed the potential for ‘transmission scale’ test and demonstration activity in line with the original aspirations for the nearby Pembrokeshire Demonstration Zone when it was originally conceived.
Being awarded in 2014, The PDZ lease predates FLOW and naturally excludes the technology from its definition of use. The PDZ as defined is a site for demonstrating multiple wave and tidal energy technologies.

Masters programme covering advanced understanding of the fundamental principles, methods and applications of maritime engineering science.

Carry out world-leading marine technology research at the forefront of naval architecture, marine hydrodynamics and structures deep knowledge of marine coatings and fouling.
Unparalleled expertise in vessels performance at sea.
Develop novel and innovative hydrodynamic devices.

Facility used for innovation, test and emulation of integrated electric ship power, energy and propulsion systems.
Capability to emulate at sea condition for systems at full load and scale.
Collaborative facility (third party open access subject to availability), used extensively for multi-party test and de-risking of integrated systems ahead of sea trials, or standalone equipment.
Used for UK and international programmes (e.g. US Navy, FR Navy), surface and subsea.
Collaborating across innovation, project, training and update phases.
Naval and commercial marine focus; available for land-based systems.

Climate change, energy security and future mobility and trade

Developing and deploying MAS and other equipment in the most challenging of ocean environments

The Assured Autonomy programme is addressing the challenges of how to assure the reliability, security, and safety of autonomous systems; a national measurement infrastructure to support reliable development, testing, validation and certification.
Leading the Maritime Autonomy Assurance Testbed (MAAT) programme, MAAT follows a proportional, structured and evidence-based approach and deliveries include standardised and accessible Test & Evaluation capability to objectively demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of MASS technologies and to assure requirements are met.

A pioneering new research centre exploring maritime autonomy was launched by Warsash Maritime School, part of Solent University, Southampton

Shell Shipping and Maritime have supported research at the University into improving the efficiency of shipping for more than a decade.
In 2014 they enabled the creation of a Chair in Ship Safety and Efficiency and the Centre for Maritime Futures was launched in September 2019.

This industry-facing research centre is the international home for maritime human factors to enhance the maritime safety.
The centre performs world-leading research in collaboration with other human factors groups around the world and industry.
The centre supports the maritime industry towards achieving safer and more efficient human operations by offering consultancy services, training and CPD courses.

Platform design, safety and signatures (surface and sub-surface) including: seakeeping manoeuvering & control; resistance and propulsion; propeller and propulsor design; marine structures including materials, welding and NDE, survivability, shock testing; life support including atmospheres, submarine escape and rescue; diving and hyperbaric medicine; signatures including noise & vibration and stealth materials. Computational and physical modelling.
At its Haslar site, QinetiQ delivers bespoke solutions that deliver novel, unique and exceptional outcomes in all areas of ship & submarine design, hydrodynamic testing and technical consultancy.
In Platform Design and Life Support (PDLS) QinetiQ are shaping the future of ships and submarines by delivering outstanding maritime services globally.
They enable its clients to operate to the highest standards, safely and efficiently by delivering exceptional technical solutions.

Analysis and optimisation of platform signatures including acoustic, magnetic, electro-magnetic. Analysis of measured and modelled data.

The Maritime Safety Research Centre (MSRC) supports the development, and nurture the implementation of lifecycle risk management by fostering formal cost-effective measures of risk reduction that lead to sustainable safety improvements for new & existing ships, and offshore assets.
In addition, the centre is supporting the development of a modern regulatory framework to promote and uphold safety culture.

Accelerating the delivery of world-leading research and innovation for the UK maritime sector through collaboration

Above water stealth and counter-measure assessment: static and dynamic radar cross section services and support measurement, analysis and reporting on characteristics of surface vessels, submarines, aircraft and chaff.
In-water stealth and counter-measure assessment: including acoustic and electromagnetic signature services and target echo strength services. The electromagnetic signature capability supports the optimisation of degaussing system settings and monitoring of electromagnetic signatures.
Maritime equipment test and calibration: real-time calibration performance testing of electronic warfare systems on military platforms such as ships, submarines and helicopters.
In-water training and proving: deployable instrumentation systems and specialist range services to support In-water training and proving. Our deployable instrumentation systems can be used to instrument open space sites and meet requirements for tracking and data acquisition.

Aimed at delivering world-leading capability in coastal autonomy.
Proving area for designing, testing and developing cutting edge products and services for the marine sector.
This multi-million pound development provides access to first class off- and onshore facilities plus award-winning marine science and technology expertise.
At its core, the NCCA comprises a fleet of state-of-the-art surface autonomous vessels, sub-surface coastal platforms and sophisticated scientific buoys integrated on a unique high-speed marine communications network.

Advanced composites design and development, digital manufacturing and sustainable engineering expertise all accessed in one place.

Shock and vibration testing ensures product performance under extreme conditions.
Vibration testing and shock testing are used to simulate in a controlled laboratory environment the extreme conditions that a product may face during use, such as mishandling, dropping, and various modes of shipmen.

A multidisciplinary team of experts work with companies to help them embrace the use of digital technologies.
NMIS offers solutions to help overcome roadblocks and inefficiencies, increase productivity, improve sustainability and push forward innovation within the manufacturing and engineering community.

Mission systems Integration & assurance capabilities hosted by QinetiQ and BAE Systems and supporting the Royal Navy's mission system supply chain to deliver into complex systems of systems.
Enterprise approach includes MOD, SMEs and other companies (Thales, Anschuetz, MetaverseVR, Red Penguin, Sirius Consulting) on site to lower barriers to entry in maritime mission systems market.
At PTP, QinetiQ works closely with BAE Systems and other OEM's to offer a comprehensive range of solutions and supporting services including the naval communications, information and combat systems design, procurement, installation and integration of a combat or mission system.
Includes Sensors, Command & Control, Communication Systems, Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems at both platform level and as part of a wider force or ship group.
QinetiQ is fully independent and works with its multi-domain customers supporting acquisition.
This includes defining needs, turn those needs into a manufacturer’s specification, support competitive tendering and programme acceptance.
QinetiQ can also build prototypes and run demonstrations, if necessary, to identify and implement the best of breed related technologies.
Extensive experience of partnering with suppliers of C4ISR and naval combat system components and can directly support the customer as Combat System Manager or Integration Authority on the assurance and acceptance of new capability.

Deploying autonomous vehicles and robots into harsh, subsea environments.
NOC - Innovation Hub

NPL is the UK’s National Metrology Institute (the scientific study of measurement), setting world-leading measurement standards and ensuring accurate, traceable measurements that support UK research and business.
We conduct world-class research, support new technologies, enable innovation and international trade.
Our capabilities are aligned with national challenges like manufacturing, security, energy, net zero, health and the prosperity of the nation.
We develop techniques to improve the quality, traceability and reliability of data, as well as understanding measurement uncertainties.
Our world-class team has capabilities across data science, including signal processing, software and database development, continuum modelling and Monte Carlo simulation.
NPL participates in a range of research programmes that support the development of decarbonised solutions for replacement of carbon-based fossil fuels.
NPL offers products and services, including precision measurement, instruments, calibration, consultancy and training, across various sectors.

World leading centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

NAOME at the University of Strathclyde is a global leader in marine technology, known for research excellence, strong industry links, and innovative engineering education.
It is ranked 1st in the UK and 4th in the world for Marine/Ocean Engineering.
NAOME’s research covers advanced ship hydrodynamics, marine CFD, fluid–structure interaction, ship stability, and structural integrity.
The department also leads in decarbonisation, maritime pollution prevention, digital twins, AI for ship systems, and life cycle assessment.
Additional strengths include marine design optimisation, logistics, ship recycling, human factors, and system reliability.
Offshore expertise spans renewable energy, decommissioning, Arctic operations, corrosion, risers and mooring systems, subsea asset integrity, and structural health monitoring.

Developing and deploying MAS (Marine Autonomous Systems) and other equipment in the most challenging of ocean environments

Ocean, air and space theme aims to underpin the development of technologies that focus on innovation, performance, sustainability and safety

Test demonstrate and commercialise innovative digital and robotic products and services for the offshore renewable energy market

A world leader in the field of marine research, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is committed to the delivery of impactful, cutting-edge environmental and social science in support of a healthy and sustainable ocean.
Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
It is a partner of the UK Research & Innovation's Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

Offering sites and berths to accommodate deep drafted vessels with no beam restriction, Port and Tyne Clean Energy Park users will benefit from unrestricted, lock free access to berths with 13.0m of depth alongside.
The Port is a safe haven for offshore wind operators and other renewables specialists that is open 24/7, 365 days a year, during all tide states.

A whole energy systems research, test and demonstration facility with a focus on the de-risking and acceleration of novel electricity, heat and transport systems to controbute to net zero emissions.
PNDC delivers accelerated technology and system validation using its flexible real-world demonstration environment to support integrated whole energy systems validation capability, incorporating Net Zero mobility, heat, hydrogen and the electrification of transport

Green ammonia, Hydrogen

Automated Welding, Inspection, NDT, Robotics. World's largest Ultrasonics group.
Founding member of UK Research Centre of Non-Destructive Evaluation (RCNDE).
World pioneers in in-process weld and additive manufacture inspection.
Development of novel robotic solutions to solve real problems in industry.
Working with aerospace, energy, nuclear and oil and gas sectors, our research spans manufacturing robotics and fixed asset inspection.
Its aim is to provide engineers with the latest tools for product quality assurance through the integration of traditional NDE technologies with the latest advances in automation, data processing and complex data set visualisation.

Shell Shipping and Maritime have supported research at the University into improving the efficiency of shipping for more than a decade.
In 2014 they enabled the creation of a Chair in Ship Safety and Efficiency and the Centre for Maritime Futures was launched in September 2019.

TÜV SÜD has been active in marine products testing for more than 20 years, with our global network supporting customers with their test and certification requirements.

TWI provides engineering consultancy to its Members and stakeholders with authoritative and impartial expert advice, knowhow and safety assurance related to engineering, materials and joining technologies.

Shipping research activity is centred on understanding patterns of energy demand in shipping and how this knowledge can be applied to help shipping transition to a low carbon future.
Investigates the hydrodynamics, turbulence and transport processes in fluvial, coastal and offshore waters, as well as airflows in the built environment

Naval Architecture MSc is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills in naval architecture theory, analysis and design procedures for both naval and merchant ships.