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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science

Security and resilience

Maritime Autonomy Assurance Testbed

Assuring safety, security and operational performance of Maritime Autonomous Systems to accelerate global adoption, driving societal and economic benefits

MAAT.pngMaritime Autonomy is transforming the maritime sector, from port operations and offshore energy to naval logistics and environmental monitoring. This emerging technology improves operational safety, efficiency and sustainability, but their successful adoption depends on trusted testing and evaluation, assurance and international collaboration. 

What is MAAT? 

Led by NPL and Lloyd’s Register, the Maritime Autonomy Assurance Testbed (MAAT) is a collaboration dedicated to enabling the safe, secure and assured adoption of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)  

Developed by a consortium of national agencies, research institutions and industry leaders, MAAT is established to develop and integrate the test and evaluation capabilities, and accompanying standards, frameworks and infrastructure.  This will provide a usable and reliable solution to commercial, technical, safety and regulatory hurdles to enable the fastest adoption of MASS technology.   

MAAT follows a data-driven, evidence-based approach to deliver internationally relevant assurance capability, supported by pro-innovation standards, and not constrained by existing human-centric approaches. This collaborative initiative will create a reliable and accessible framework, enabling both validating testing across virtual and physical environments and operational assurance of MASS.  

By bringing together the UK’s leading research and innovation capabilities, MAAT is helping to shape the future of maritime autonomy – providing the confidence to ensure the rapid and successful adoption of one of the most important and fastest growing maritime industries.

UK partners

MAAT is developed by a UK-led consortium of government agencies, research institutions, and industry partners. This collaboration ensures that MASS are tested, evaluated, and assured to the highest standards. 

 

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International partners 

MAAT works with national and international organisations, bringing together expertise in maritime operations, autonomy, testing, and regulation. By combining cutting-edge research, real-world trials, and industry insights, the programme is shaping the future of MASS assurance and supporting global adoption of autonomous technologies.