Warsash Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Research Centre

The Warsash Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Research Centre (WMRC) is pioneering research into maritime autonomy, from Smart Ships and Smart Ports, to the human elements of working in tandem with smart systems, and maritime teaching and consultancy.

Maritime autonomy is a key part of the future of shipping and includes both remotely operated and fully autonomous shipping. The last decade has seen rapid technological development across the globe towards making MASS a reality through the development of Smart Ships and MASS (with a small crew or un-crewed), often in combination with zero-emission propulsion systems.

Advancements in technology will make the human-machine interface even more critical for the safe and efficient operation of MASS. Although significant advances have taken place to develop MASS technologies, very little research has been carried out towards analysing the human element, the human-machine interface and seafarer training needs for working with Smart Ships, Smart Ports and MASS.

The UK Maritime 2050 Technology and Innovation Route Map identifies the role of people in the future of maritime and articulates the UK Government’s wish to retain the valuable experience of existing seafarers. It also seeks to develop and adopt continuous education models to provide the skills required in the face of advancing technologies.

In support of this aspiration, the WMRC is exploring the pedagogical, professional education, and training needs to make the workforce future-ready to operate with these technologies, either on-board MASS, or remotely from shore stations.

Centre aim

To become an international leader in maritime research related to advanced technologies, education, training and policy making for Smart Ships, MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship), and Smart Ports.

Centre goals

• To carry out world class multi-disciplinary research in the field of Smart Ships, MASS and Smart Ports.
• To provide and support a life-long active learning environment to grow the pool of quality maritime academia.
• To provide a global networking platform for academia/researchers to link with industry players and organisations for collaborative learning.
• To build a world-class WMR centre of excellence and help shape the future of maritime education and training.
• To direct research and knowledge exchange activities strategically, assuring academic excellence and significant maritime industrial interaction.
• To emphasise the importance of combining the benefits of growing technology with concerns about safety and security, cost, potential environmental impact, and international commerce facilitation, both onboard and onshore.
• To enable research-based policymaking for autonomous ships and their training concepts through the utilisation of large-scale manned models and simulated ships in controlled test facilities. This includes drafting performance standards, training model courses and operating guidelines for integrating conventional ships, shore-based entities (simulated centres), Smart Ships, MASS and Smart Ports.