The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) and SeaBot Maritime (Ireland) have signed a “groundbreaking” Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on integrating complex systems with specialised skills for the maritime workforce.

This partnership aims to position Ireland as a global leader in advanced maritime training, the partners said on Tuesday (14 May).

SeaBot Maritime, based at the National Oceanography Centre in the United Kingdom, is a leading provider of smart remote operations training in unmanned surface vehicle (USV) operations.

The company’s internationally recognised training programmes attract delegates from around the globe. The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency also recognises SeaBot Maritime’s training, further solidifying their reputation in the industry.

The partnership between SeaBot Maritime and NMCI “underscores the crucial role human professionals play in harnessing the potential of technological advancements across defence and commercial maritime sectors”, according to a statement announcing the MOU.

NMCI head Dr Paul Hegarty said: “We are thrilled to join forces with SeaBot Maritime to bring these cutting-edge courses to the Irish maritime community.

“This collaboration highlights our commitment to providing top-tier education that meets the evolving needs of the industry. By combining our expertise with SeaBot’s innovative approach, we aim to empower professionals with the skills and insights necessary to thrive in the era of maritime autonomy.”

Gordon Meadow, CEO of SeaBot Maritime added: “Our partnership with NMCI represents a significant milestone in our mission to support the maritime industry’s adoption of advanced technologies. By working together, we can ensure that the workforce is prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

The first courses under this partnership are scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025.