A new hub for maritime engineering and innovation will open at the Australian
Maritime College’s Launceston campus, part of the University of Tasmania.
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 Maritime Sustainment Infrastructure Engineering R&D Hub will tackle real-world
challenges in shipyard modernisation, digitalisation and operational efficiency.
Operating as a national centre for applied research, training and technology
development, it aims to accelerate improvements across Australia’s maritime
infrastructure.

“The partnership marks a major step in aligning maritime research with industry
delivery,” said Mal Wise, Principal of the Australian Maritime College.
“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.”

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.

Simon Butler, Chairman, ASSIST Maritime, 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.”

ASSIST Maritime will establish a dedicated team in Launceston, creating high-value
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.