Halpin Research Centre

HALPIN is the research & innovation pillar of the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) which is a constituent college of the Munster Technological University (MTU) and a partnership with the Irish Naval Service (INS).

Halpin was created in 2012 as the formal research entity for NMCI. At HALPIN, we undertake maritime research, with the aim of promoting the development of a vibrant and dynamic maritime sector, capable of realising its full potential in contributing to sustainable economic, social and environmental development for the benefit of all. The HALPIN team work closely with other research and innovation teams in MTU, as well as with an extensive network of Irish, European & international partners.

Our dedicated team of researchers offer backgrounds in seafaring, technological innovation, training and human factors, oceanography, business, policy and strategic planning. We pride ourselves on the strength of our relationships with our local and international stakeholders, and our ability to bring a broad range of skills, experience and expertise to our partnerships, so as to ensure impact in all our research projects and collaborations.

Halpin has experience of delivering over 30 EU funded projects and collaborating with over 200 research, innovation, industry and public-sector partners in Ireland, Europe and around the world. HALPIN has secured over €4.9 million in competitive research funding from Irish, European, and international sources and from both public and private entities.

Facts and figures

Web	http://www.nmci.ie/
Year Established	2012
Total Number of Staff	8
Focus Areas	Halpin operates under four main research themes namely: Maritime Safety and Security, Maritime Training and Upskilling, Environmental Monitoring, and Port Operations. 1) Maritime Safety and Security Halpin Research Centre has a long track record of relevant research in maritime matters, with a particular interest in the area of Arctic Safety & Security, including most recently two Arctic projects, namely AI-ARC https://ai-arc.eu/ and ARCSAR https://arcsar.eu/. These are both Horizon2020 projects involving 20+ partners from countries across the Arctic, North Atlantic and High North, including Canada, USA, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Faroe Islands, and the UK. 2) Maritime Training and upskilling Past and current projects relate to improving cross-recognition of seafaerer's qualifications; (see for example, Skillsea https://www.skillsea.eu/) designing innovative courses; developing innovative teaching tools; and upskilling for the offshore wind industry. 3) Environmental Monitoring We undertake environmental monitoring projects to ensure the maritime environment is managed in a sustainable manner. We engage in projects that promote the circular economy by reusing materials and develop cost-effective solutions. eg. Circular Seas https://circularseas.com/ 4) Port Operations Our projects focus on developing innovative solutions and fostering best maritime procedures and practices at port Current activity includes collaboration with Ireland's offshore wind energy industry network in operational planning.
Fields of Study Offered	Teaching and training Environmental science Electronics and automation Motor vehicles, ships and aircraft Environmental protection technology Security services (others)