Warsash Merchant Navy cadets and staff moving to main University campus

In line with its continuing commitment to invest, develop and grow its world-leading maritime education and training, Solent University, Southampton will be relocating its Warsash Maritime School (WMS) Merchant Navy officer cadet, senior marine engineers and small vessel engineering provision to its city centre campus at East Park Terrace. 

Starting this spring, Solent will be implementing a planned relocation, from its St Mary’s campus to the University’s East Park Terrace. 

Lars Lippuner, Director of WMS, says, “To enable us to be a global leader in maritime training and research, we are continuously looking at ways to ensure our teaching, training and research provision not only meets, but exceeds expectations. 

“This move will not only benefit our cadets, students, staff and clients, it will provide more interdisciplinary collaboration and research opportunities that will benefit the maritime industry as a whole.” 

This relocation aims to further enhance cadets’ and maritime engineering students’ experience by consolidating maritime training and most of its facilities on a single city centre campus - alongside the Maritime Simulation Centre, the Towing Tank and Stability Tank, and the University’s two maritime research centres - the Centre for Marine Sustainability, and the Warsash Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Research Centre.   It also complements the provision of new engineering workshops on the campus.

The move will provide greater opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional and social engagement for WMS staff and students, and improve access to the University’s services and facilities, including its catering outlets, the library, Solent Sports Complex and Solent Students’ Union. 

The School’s Ship Handling Centre and safety training facilities will remain at their respective Timsbury and Warsash sites. 

Solent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Knowles, says, “Solent’s Estate master plan is to increase teaching and learning spaces and collaborative environments at East Park Terrace. The strategy also supports the introduction of the Institute of Technology (IoT), due for completion by the end of 2024. We are confident this move will improve access to facilities and enhance the experience of everyone who studies and works at our university.”