Marine Energy Systems and Autonomics (MESA)

Marine Energy Systems and Autonomics (MESA)

Marine Energy Systems and Autonomics (MESA)

IMT’s Marine Energy Systems and Autonomics (MESA) works in three major research areas: energy conversion systems and machinery; robotics, cybernetics and autonomy; and risk and safety assessment.

The term “Autonomics” in MESA is adopted as an emerging engineering discipline bringing together control engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and risk and safety engineering.

MESA is an interdisciplinary research group tackling challenges in offshore renewable energy, fishery and aquaculture, deep sea, and maritime transport by developing methods and techniques which facilitate the assessment, development, and sustainable operation; and training next generation of talented marine engineers.

Where Mechanics, Cybernetics, and Safety meet

Where Mechanics, Cybernetics, and Safety meet

With dedicated laboratories and strong partnerships in several national and international research projects, MESA provides a unique setting for marine innovation.

Scientific staff and students at Marine Energy Systems and Autonomics (MESA) work on developing tools and techniques for sustainable development and operation of marine systems. By advanced computer simulations and scaled models in our laboratories we are able to study a physical system under different harsh environmental conditions in a virtual reality.  

Research focus

•    marine energy conversion systems and machinery
•    robotics, cybernetics and autonomy
•    risk and safety assessment

In the field of marine energy conversion systems and machinery, we work on biofuels, ammonia and other future fuels use in marine engines as well as electrical, hybrid, and fuel cells. 

We also develop tools and models for drivetrains and power conversion systems in ships and offshore wind turbines. 

The autonomy researchers in MESA work with cybernetics and autonomous systems in subsea drones, ships, surface vehicles, harbours, and sensors in the marine environment and in the Arctic. We work with risk assessment of ships, marine and maritime systems, operational risk, with particular focus on risk analysis of autonomous marine systems. 

Research highlights

NTNU MESA group publication list in Google Scholar