Marine Navigation Centre
Meeting the needs of maritime training, education and research
The Marine Navigation Centre delivers industry-focused training and professional development, equipped with cutting edge facilities that reflect the latest standards in the maritime sector.
From learning to navigate supertankers and superyachts to delivering professional development courses tailored to specific organisations, this facility offers an exceptional training and development resource. Although the system is primarily engineered for the training of professional seafarers, its use at the University of Plymouth extends far beyond this. It is also used to support the development of maritime cyber‑threat research, training, and education, as well as research and development in autonomous and remote operations.
The Ship Simulator
The Wärtsilä Ship Simulator delivers a fully immersive, realistic, maritime environment, integrating multiple ship bridges and control systems to accurately replicate real world vessel behaviours, port operations, coastal landscapes, and dynamic environmental conditions. Powered by advanced software, precision hardware, and state of the art visualisation technology, the system provides a robust platform for professional training, port design and development, and the assessment of safety critical operations.
This system also enables organisations to evaluate emerging challenges such as, cyber security threats and autonomous vessel scenarios, in a controlled, replicable, and cost-effective setting.
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HA Full Mission Bridge simulator with 270-degree screen and realistic control consoles
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HTwo advanced ship simulators, and six desktop ship simulators - which can be used independently of each other or in unison
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HThe ability to generate multiple virtual vessels in a single environment and provide user-control to nine of them
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H20 type-approved Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) workstations
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HNine type-approved RADAR systems
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HFull AIS, ARPA capability
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HGlobal coverage with Admiralty Vector Charts
The University of Plymouth is proud of its role as a civic university, deeply rooted in its community while also contributing to national priorities. Our strong connections to the defence and security sector reflect this dual mission. As a key partner in the Plymouth Defence Growth Deal, we are helping to position the city as a global hub for defence and security innovation.
Working alongside major city stakeholders and national leaders, the University is driving forward initiatives that are transforming capability, talent development and research across this fast‑evolving sector.
Explore how these collaborations are shaping the future of defence and security innovation - and the pivotal role the University is playing in that journey:
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