BMT, a maritime-orientated high-end design house and technical consulting firm, is set to open a new Digital Innovation & Simulation Centre (DISC) at its Fareham site in the UK.
The new facility aims to provide advanced simulation and digital assurance capabilities for the broader UK defence sector as it transitions towards synthetic and blended training methods.
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Located in the Spectrum building at Fareham, the facility features a Full Mission Bridge (FMB) designed to accommodate both defence and commercial vessel scenarios, two 360-degree pod simulators, small-vessel simulators, a Remote Operations Centre, a Scenario Control Room, briefing spaces and multiple collaboration areas.
The centre includes one of the largest specialised LED video walls in the UK, offering an immersive environment for operations studies and incident reconstructions.
BMT has developed DISC around proprietary REMBRANDT and MASS SEAS technologies.
The REMBRANDT hydrodynamic engine provides tools for tug and pilot training as well as ship-to-ship transfer analysis and legal scenario reconstruction.
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By GlobalDataThe MASS SEAS system enables DNV-accredited synthetic trials of autonomous navigation systems and supports compliance demonstrations with COLREGs and emerging MASS regulations.
Militaries shifting towards synthetic training
All of the UK’s military services are employing synthetic training environments to reduce costs and provide advantages over real-world exercises. According to intelligence firm GlobalData, the global simulation training market was expected to grow from $30.2bn in 2024 to reach $41.3bn by 2034.
For its part, the Royal Navy continues to advance its use of synthetic and blended training through initiatives such as Phalanx Engineering Training Centre (PETC), SPARTAN, and digital twin development.
According to Naval Authority & Technology Group requirements, MASS SEAS operators are expected to present certification approaches in accredited settings before regulatory audiences worldwide.
DISC has been built to meet this demand, offering a modern facility for regulators and operators to assess assurance measures for autonomous systems.
It also utilises BMT ENGAGE powered by Unreal Engine, facilitating the creation of digital twins, ship walk-throughs, wargaming exercises, and immersive VR/AR training programmes.
These capabilities play a role in BMT’s MODUS programme for modular uncrewed surface vessels, as well as digital port operations, ship design assurance and marine incident analysis.
BMT chief executive Sarah Kenny said: “By combining immersive simulation, autonomous systems assurance and advanced visualisation in a single, secure environment, we’re enabling industry to support the Royal Navy’s and allies’ shift into synthetic training and assurance – giving defence customers a digital canvas where they can explore options, test complex scenarios and make faster, better-informed decisions, all while reducing risk and time to market.”
BMT plans to use DISC as an exportable operational model that can be replicated with international partners through secure remote connectivity.
The company expects the facility to support ongoing defence and commercial projects including simulation-based assurance for autonomous vessels and complex operations training.
The opening of DISC is part of BMT’s regional strategy for UK-Europe growth within a significant maritime cluster.
In September last year, BMT introduced a conceptual design for a potential multi-role strike vessel, Ellida Strike, for the UK Royal Navy.
