Written by Dr. Mohd Rajali bin Jalal
Edited by Ts. ChM. Dr. Nor Suriani Sani
The Marine Technology Centre (MTC) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) stands as a leading hub for marine engineering research, education, and industry collaboration in Malaysia. Established in 1996 and officially opened in 1999 by Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. The centre has played a vital role in supporting the nation’s maritime and offshore industries through advanced hydrodynamic research and testing facilities.
As the only hydrodynamic testing centre in the country, MTC provides a comprehensive platform for teaching, research, and technical consultancy. It supports undergraduate and postgraduate education while facilitating research activities for academic staff and industry partners. Since 1998, the centre has also been a member of the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC), ensuring its testing practices meet internationally recognized standards.
One of the centre’s most notable facilities is its towing tank, measuring 120 metres in length with a 90-metre testing section. This facility allows researchers and engineers to conduct detailed studies on ship resistance, propulsion, and seakeeping performance under controlled conditions. Complementing the towing tank are advanced systems, including a precision towing carriage, wave generator, motion capture technology, and a ship model milling machine, all designed to support accurate hydrodynamic testing and simulation.
Beyond experimental testing, MTC also integrates digital engineering tools, including Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to design and optimize marine vessels. These capabilities enable researchers to improve vessel performance, safety, and efficiency while meeting modern environmental regulations.
Through its expertise, facilities, and collaborations with universities and industry partners worldwide, MTC continues to strengthen Malaysia’s maritime research ecosystem. By bridging academic knowledge with real-world engineering challenges, MTC contributes significantly to the development of innovative marine technologies and sustainable solutions for the global maritime industry.
