NIOZ secures funding to boost marine robotics and research innovation
The Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) has secured €2,891,000 from the NWO-I Strategic Innovation Fund 2025, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in oceanographic research. This funding fuels the ambitious project ‘Transitions in Oceanographic Research: A New Ship and Autonomous Vessel Development’, designed to propel innovation and collaboration within the Dutch marine research community.
Central to this initiative is the establishment of the high-end Marine Robotics Center at NIOZ. This new hub will specialize in developing and deploying advanced technologies, including gliders, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV). These autonomous systems promise to revolutionize oceanographic research, enabling more efficient, flexible and sustainable approaches to studying our seas.
The Marine Robotics Center will also integrate these autonomous capabilities into the operations of RV Anna Weber-van Bosse, a state-of-the-art national research vessel set to launch in 2026. Together, the vessel and autonomous technologies will form the backbone of an innovative research programme, addressing critical topics such as oceanographic processes and the impacts of climate change.
This project marks a major leap forward for marine science, underscoring NIOZ’s commitment to advancing the boundaries of oceanographic exploration.
Gert-Jan Reichart, department head of Ocean Systems, commented: “The establishment of a Marine Robotics Center represents a strategic investment in innovative technology that enhances our ability to study the ocean while reducing the environmental footprint of our research. By integrating autonomous vehicles into our work, we are setting a new standard for conducting marine science in a more sustainable way.”
Interdepartmental collaboration
The National Marine Facilities (NMF) department at NIOZ is instrumental in driving the success of this ambitious programme. Responsible for managing the research fleet and the most advanced equipment, NMF provides the vital technical expertise needed to support these advancements. Collaborating closely with scientists at the new Marine Robotics Center, NMF ensures that the infrastructure, knowledge and skills are in place to harness the full potential of these innovative technologies. Together, they are shaping a new era of oceanographic research.
“By providing the tools and support for these cutting-edge technologies, NMF enables more efficient and innovative research at sea. Together with the scientists, we are making the next generation of marine science possible,” explained Aarnoud van de Burgt, head of NMF.
This funding emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in oceanographic research. The project also creates opportunities for universities to participate in joint initiatives and expedition programmes.
