Partnership aims to create a long-term strategic relationship to strengthen ocean observation and deep-sea research in Madeira, leveraging the region’s unique access to the ultra-deep ocean and its strategic position in the Northeast Atlantic.
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and ARDITI (the Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation, based in the Madeira archipelago) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration to improve knowledge of the marine environment.
The agreement, signed on 25 June 2026, outlines a shared commitment to work together and to develop new technology for ocean observation and accelerate innovation of operational oceanography and analysis.
It aims to advance research programmes by combining approaches, such as observational capabilities across ocean surface, subsurface and seafloor areas alongside air-based research and by using digital tools including AI and video, acoustic and image datasets.
The MoU is the next stage in cementing the relationship between NOC and ARDITI, building on ARDITI’s landmark purchase of two state-of-the-art, custom-build NOC Autosub Long Range (ALR) autonomous underwater vehicles last year, the first international sale of this technology. These vehicles are currently undergoing sea acceptance tests, which are demonstrating good results and ARDITI will shortly be able to take ownership.
This relationship represents a significant step towards establishing a collaborative, international ecosystem built around ALR and open-source technologies. Working together to co-develop methodologies, share data and operational insights, and align capabilities, it lays the foundation for a coordinated approach to ocean observation and future large-scale surveying capability.
Through our work with ARDITI, we are accelerating the transition of our ALR technology to a global platform for ocean science and reinforces our commitment to innovation and integration in sustained ocean observation. This collaboration demonstrates how strategic technology can unlock new opportunities.
The Memorandum of Understanding also reflects NOC’s global leadership in ocean science, engineering, and digital technologies.
We are looking forward to expand this foundation by working with other research organisations to continue to further unlock the potential of our ALR technology and to revolutionise ocean data collection and observation.
Professor Alex Rogers, Deputy Director of Strategic Science Programmes and Partnerships at NOC
Madeira’s unique access to the deep sea, combined with its strategic position in the Northeast Atlantic, gives us a remarkable opportunity to advance ocean observation, marine technologies that support better knowledge and sustainable ocean governance. This MoU with NOC strengthens ARDITI’s commitment to building long-term international partnerships that expand scientific capacity, foster innovation, and contribute to a more coordinated and data-driven approach to ocean science.
Rui Caldeira, President of ARDITI
The MoU provides a foundation for future initiatives, with both NOC and ARDITI committed to identifying opportunities that align with their strategic priorities.
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