A new hub for maritime engineering and innovation will open at the Australian Maritime College’s (AMC) Launceston campus, part of the University of Tasmania.
Chairman, ASSIST Maritime, Simon Butler, said the Hub underscores the critical connection between research excellence and sovereign industrial capability.
“Across the industry, sustainment infrastructure has lagged advances in modern vessel design, contributing to higher costs, safety concerns, and reduced fleet availability. Working with AMC, we aim to close that gap – testing new systems and materials, advancing digital tools, and establishing standardised approaches that transform how Australia maintains maritime capability.”
Established in partnership with ASSIST Maritime, the facility will bring together researchers, industry and government to improve ship maintenance, technology development and workforce training, strengthening Australia’s maritime infrastructure.
“The partnership marks a major step in aligning maritime research with industry delivery,” Principal of the AMC, Mal Wise, said.
“Together, AMC and ASSIST Maritime are creating a space where innovation turns research into real-world capability - strengthening Australia’s maritime sustainment and industrial resilience.”
The Maritime Sustainment Infrastructure Engineering R&D Hub will tackle challenges in shipyard modernisation, digitalisation and operational efficiency. Operating as a national centre for applied research, training and technology development, it will aim to accelerate improvements across Australia’s maritime infrastructure.
As part of the ASSIST Maritime initiative, a proposed national program driving innovation and standardisation across Australia’s sustainment shipyard network, the new facility will focus on testing and validating advanced systems, materials and digital solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety and reliability of ship repair and maintenance operations.
ASSIST Maritime will establish a dedicated team in Launceston, creating engineering, research and technical roles, while opening new opportunities for Tasmanian suppliers and SMEs to engage in the national sustainment shipyard effort.
The Engineering and R&D Hub is scheduled to commence operations in early 2026, with collaborative research programs launching shortly thereafter.