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Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships

  • Overview

As a part of this group, you will be discussing early-stage research and technologies that can be used in defence, energy, and oceanography (US led) and in the skills needs for this emerging area (Europe led). 

The group is interested in both unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) which are controlled remotely, and autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) which are self-sufficient and once deployed do not require any operator intervention. Both types of automated vehicles can be utilised widely in the marine sector from research and environmental monitoring programmes to naval and defence applications. The benefits provided will likely result in an expansion in marine autonomous and unmanned systems across multiple marine disciplines. 

If you are interested in joining the group, log in to My IMarEST and select the group from the list.

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02 Oct 2024

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships Report: September 2024

Report
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02 Apr 2024

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships Quarterly Report: 2023 - 2024

Report
07 Dec 2023

A Letter from the new Co-Chairs

SIG News

 

      

SIG officers

Dr Julius Partridge MIMarEST

Chair

Dr Panagiotis Stavrakakis CSci CEng FIMarEST

Chair

Lt Cdr Liam Talbot CEng CMarEng MIMarEST

Chair

Upcoming events

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22 – 23 September 2026

2026 Marine Foresight Conference

Uniting the world's foremost marine experts, industry pioneers and policy leaders all under one roof.

International Conference China
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External
22 September 2026

10th Clean Marine Fuel Forum 2026

IMarEST supported event Singapore
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Free
29 September 2026

Ice Class Build Experience

A webinar by the IMarEST's Naval Engineering SIG.

Online Online
Ship
Free
5 October 2026

Floating Windows

A branch event by the IMarEST's North West England & North Wales Branch.

Branch event Liverpool, UK
About IMarEST

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Offices

Europe

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London SW1H 9JJ
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+44 (0) 20 7382 2600

Asia-Pacific

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#05-01 Central Plaza
Singapore 168730
+65 (0) 6472 0096

© 2026 The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology | Registered Charity Number: 212992 A company incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered in England and Wales (no. RC000256)

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