5 November 2025
Felix Ellis, Minister for Business, Industry and Resources
A new maritime research and development facility will be established at the Australian Maritime College (AMC) to accelerate the development of the next generation of maritime products and systems.
Announced on day two at Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition, UK-based maritime technology company SubSea Craft will partner with AMC to establish the research, development, innovation and testing facility at AMC’s Beauty Point campus in Northern Tasmania.
“SubSea Craft’s decision to establish its new R&D facility in Tasmania is testament to AMC’s world-class research and testing infrastructure, and the specialist knowledge of the researchers and staff at AMC,” Minister Ellis said.
Spanning approximately 250 square metres with direct waterfront access, the site will feature technical workshops, offices and collaborative spaces designed to support applied research, trials and product evaluation.
Australian Maritime College Principal, Mal Wise, said the partnership with SubSea Craft represented another significant step forward in AMC’s vision to create a national Defence, Maritime, Innovation and Design Precinct.
“It brings industry and academia together in a way that gives our students and staff exposure to the technologies defining the future of maritime operations," Mr Wise said.
SubSea Craft CEO, Camilla Martin, said the facility provided the ideal environment for the SubSea Craft team to develop, test and refine emerging technologies that enhance operational capability in the most demanding environments.
“Our investment in Tasmania reflects our confidence in the region and our commitment to serving customers across Australia and the Indo-Pacific,” Ms Martin said.
Minister Ellis said the partnership was an example of how the state’s role in boosting Australia’s sovereign defence capability is delivering real economic benefits here at home.
"We are working together to move our state forward, and our supported vision of the University of Tasmania and the Australian Maritime College to establish a Defence and Maritime Innovation and Design Precinct is now well and truly a reality," Minister Ellis said.
“Major national and international companies are seeking out the Tasmanian Defence Precinct, to utilise our specialist maritime facilities and work side by side with the best researchers to deliver new technologies and platforms.”
Operations at the new R&D Beauty Point facility are expected to commence in early 2026.
Twelve Tasmanian organisations are on display at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025 which runs until 6 November.