THE PREMIER of Tasmania, Jeremy Rockliff has announced a new Naval Research Centre is set to be established at the Australian Maritime College (AMC).
MP Rockliff, who is the Minister for Trade and Major Investment in the southern state, revealed the new centre will be established by Navantia Australia, a design contractor for the Royal Australian Navy.
The premier said the occasion marks a significant milestone for the defence and maritime precinct at Newnham, an suburb of Launceston, where the AMC is situated.
The new Naval Research Centre intends to enhance support for the defence industry by fostering collaboration between academics and students to undertake research and design projects.
Premier Rockliff said Tasmania’s strong relationship with Navantia Australia highlighted the success of the State’s defence industry sector.
“Navantia Australia’s decision to establish their Naval Research Centre at AMC is a significant milestone for both Navantia Australia and the Precinct, and will further Australia’s defence and maritime shipbuilding capabilites,” Premier Rockliff said.
“This will also support our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future to create more jobs and help keep our economy strong, with Tasmanian manufacturers playing an important role in Navantia Australia’s supply chains.”
According to the premier, the state government had supported the University of Tasmania’s vision to establish a defence and maritime innovation and design precinct, now a reality.
“Major national and international defence contractors are seeking out the Tasmanian Defence Precinct, to utilise our specialist maritime facilities and expertise to design the best and safest ships for our naval personnel,” the premier affirmed.
Navantia Australia Managing Director, Israel Lozano, said the company recognised AMC’s unique offering as the national institute for maritime education, training, and research in Australia.
“The Australian Maritime College has specialist maritime research and learning facilities, some of which are the most advanced in the Southern Hemisphere,” Mr Lozano said.
“Through the Naval Research Centre, students will be able to utilise these facilities to undertake cutting edge research for the defence industry.”
The Naval Research Centre is expected to commence operation in 2025.
