The Maritime AI Innovation Lab has launched with two tracks: Safety & Workability and Emission Reduction.

Together with partners, we are developing AI-driven solutions to make the maritime sector smarter, faster, and more sustainable. On February 12, 2026, we invite organizations to join new consortia or propose tracks that match their priorities.

Why participate?

• Collaborate with leading stakeholders

• Co-create agile innovation cycles

• Help shape the roadmap for short-cyclic innovation

Current tracks:

• Safety & Workability: Machine learning for real-time predictions and short-term MSI forecasts to improve offshore safety and efficiency.

• Emission Reduction: AI-driven models for fuel optimization and emission reduction under real conditions.

A Professional Doctorate project also addresses legal and ethical aspects of AI and data sharing, ensuring compliance with EU regulations such as the AI Act and Data Act.

Join us on February 12 and help shape the future of maritime AI innovation. Registration is open until Friday January 30.

Read the latest news or contact Tobias van Dijk.

The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs has granted €9.6 million under the FTO scheme for MARIN’s new Maritime Innovation Lab.

The lab will combine MARIN’s Shallow Water Basin and Concept Basin into a state-of-the-art facility where maritime innovations can be developed and tested in realistic environments such as the Seven Oceans Simulator centre and Zero Emission Lab.

MARIN aims to accelerate innovation in collaboration with the maritime sector, addressing challenges like clean transport, offshore renewable energy, defence, inland shipping, and climate-adaptive infrastructure.

The lab brings together start-ups, SMEs, large corporations, government, research institutes, and universities. Daytime exploratory tests and fast numerical tools will investigate ideas, while automated night tests collect data to train models. These models are then applied in simulators to refine innovations with future users.

Together, we strengthen the Netherlands’ innovation capacity and contribute to sustainability and safety at sea. For more information, contact Frank van der Wal.

Spliethoff Group has introduced a state-of-the-art training simulator developed by MARIN, reinforcing its commitment to maritime safety and operational excellence.

MARIN was commissioned to deliver two customised crane and ballast simulators to train seafarers in crane handling and heavy lift operations under highly realistic conditions. The first is now operational in Manila, while a second will soon be installed at the Spliethoff Group headquarters in Amsterdam.

The system offers an immersive 3D experience in a cabin-like setting and uses MARIN’s Dolphin software to replicate real-time vessel motions caused by waves, currents, wind and crane movements. It includes multiple workstations and an expanded library of vessel models. Crews can practise crane handling, ballasting and offshore projects, while project-specific scenarios can be pre-simulated to ensure safe execution and provide clients with a clear visual preview.

“This new generation of simulators gives crews the confidence to handle complex operations safely before they step on board,” said Ron Schoon, Project Manager Simulation and Visualisation at MARIN. “It’s about turning preparation into performance under real-world conditions.”

Interested in MARIN’s simulators and software? Please contact Ron Schoon who collaborated with Spliethoff on this unique project.