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BMT SEAS — independent, simulation-based test and evaluation for autonomous vessels

Designed for developers, regulators, and defence partners, BMT SEAS enables safe, certifiable deployment of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) through rigorous, simulation-based verification.

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Europe / UK

Will Alexander

Campaign Lead - Maritime Autonomous Systems

Will Alexander

Campaign Lead - Maritime Autonomous Systems

London, United Kingdom

Contact

Europe / UK

Thomas Howe

Senior Principal Navigation & Seamanship

Thomas Howe

Senior Principal Navigation & Seamanship

Bath, United Kingdom

Contact

What is BMT SEAS?

BMT SEAS (Synthetic Environment Assurance Service) is a pioneering solution for the assurance and certification of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) - delivering safer, faster, and more cost-effective development through advanced simulation.

Curious how foresight connects to real-world safety and decision-making?

Explore our latest insight, How Safe Is Safe Enough?, where we dive into the role of uncertainty, risk tolerance, and informed judgment in complex systems. It’s a powerful read for leaders balancing innovation with responsibility.

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If you're exploring autonomous maritime solutions or want to learn how BMT SEAS can support your certification journey, our team is here to help.

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BMT SEAS lifecycle diagram

Designed for developers, regulators, and defence partners

BMT SEAS leverages our DNV-certified BMT REMBRANDT simulator (Class A, B, C and S) to enable autonomous vessels to be tested in a high-fidelity, virtual environment. This significantly reduces the need for costly and high-risk live sea trials, while ensuring alignment with international maritime regulations and maintaining the highest safety standards.

Instead of relying on traditional trials alone, BMT SEAS allows customers to simulate complex, repeatable scenarios - providing robust, real-world assurance evidence without endangering vessels or crew.

Core features

Simulation based test and evaluation

Enables rigorous testing in a high-fidelity virtual environment, reducing the reliance on costly and high-risk live trials.

->> Accelerates certification timelines, lowers programme costs, and supports earlier entry into service - especially valuable for developers and integrators managing tight delivery windows.

Independent, expert assurance

Every simulation is evaluated by experienced Master Mariners, ensuring performance is judged against real-world expectations and international regulations (including COLREGs).

->> Provides regulators and stakeholders with credible, third-party validation - building trust in both the technology and its operational readiness.

Regulatory readiness

Offers a structured, evidence-based approach to demonstrating compliance with international maritime standards.

->> Helps regulators evaluate autonomy systems with greater confidence, speeding up approvals and reducing ambiguity during certification discussions.

Operational clarity and risk reduction

Simulates complex real-world and edge-case scenarios to help define a system’s bounded operational envelope.

->> Gives operators and defence planners confidence in deployment planning, and enables clear documentation of system limitations and behaviour.

Support for emerging technologies

Allows early-stage and evolving systems to be tested safely, even before physical prototypes are trial-ready.

->> De-risks innovation for developers by exposing limitations early and reducing the likelihood of costly redesigns or late-stage delays.

Strategic cross-sector assurance

Generates a robust audit trail of verified performance to support procurement, governance, and stakeholder engagement across defence, commercial, and government sectors.

->> Equips programme leaders with the assurance needed to justify investment decisions, meet compliance obligations, and move forward with confidence.

Trusted by maritime leaders - backed by Defence and industry confidence

BMT SEAS is the UK Ministry of Defence’s principal method for certifying Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), delivering credible, simulation-led assurance that aligns with operational and regulatory expectations. The platform has been successfully deployed with ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK (AEUK) to evaluate the ARCIMS autonomous system, helping set a new benchmark for autonomy certification in defence.

Backed by our DNV-certified BMT REMBRANDT simulator and assessed by seasoned Master Mariners, BMT SEAS provides third-party assurance that’s both rigorous and realistic.

This trust extends beyond defence - BMT SEAS is increasingly being adopted by commercial developers and regulatory bodies seeking credible, scalable solutions for safe autonomy at sea.

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Discover how our collaboration with AEUK is advancing autonomous maritime certification

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Establishing the MASS SEAS assurance methodology has enabled the Naval Authority (NA), as the safety certifying body for MOD shipping, to delegate the assessment of the COLREG capability of innovate new platforms using cutting edge technology to a Recognised Organisation (RO).

Stephen Perry, UK Ministry of Defence Naval Authority and Technology Group (NATG) – Propulsion, Manoeuvring & Navigation Systems

Enabling maritime autonomy through simulation and assurance

Learn about BMT REMBRANDT

See how our DNV-certified simulator underpins safe, high-fidelity assurance for autonomous vessels.

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Discover more about our solutions

From assurance and certification to operational deployment, we provide end-to-end support for Maritime Autonomous Systems. 

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Let's connect

If you're exploring autonomous maritime solutions or want to learn how BMT SEAS can support your certification journey, our team is here to help.

Let's connect

Proven in practice: real-world applications of BMT SEAS

Explore how BMT SEAS is delivering trusted, simulation-based assurance across defence and commercial maritime projects - from concept validation to certification.