UMT Strengthens Marine Research Capabilities With Acquisition Of High-tech WCFC Facility

KUALA NERUS,  Feb 2 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) continues to enhance its leadership in marine research with the acquisition of the high-tech Wave Circulation Flume Channel (WCFC) facility.

Vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim said UMT is the first institution in the country to own the WCFC, which was acquired under the 12th Malaysia Plan as part of efforts to develop advanced research facilities in line with national priorities and future industry demands.

 He said the acquisition represents not only a strategic investment in strengthening Malaysia’s marine education and innovation ecosystem, but also elevates UMT’s standing as a national reference centre for marine engineering and the maritime industry.

“The accreditation of the WCFC at UMT marks a significant milestone in the development of world-class academic and research infrastructure.

“This facility will not only enhance UMT’s research capabilities, but also serve as a vital platform for producing highly skilled graduates who meet the needs of the maritime and offshore industries,” he said in a statement today.

From an academic perspective, Mohd Zamri said the WCFC will directly support teaching and learning for several programmes, including the Bachelor of Applied Science (Maritime Technology), Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Technology (Shipbuilding), as well as selected dual-degree programmes.

To promote interdisciplinary collaboration, he added that the facility will also be made accessible to other faculties and centres of responsibility within UMT, particularly in the fields of engineering, marine and environmental sciences.

“In terms of research and consultancy, the WCFC can support a wide range of studies, including ship resistance testing, Planar Motion Mechanism (PMM) experiments, mooring system analysis, sediment transport, coastal and hydraulic engineering, as well as marine renewable energy research.

“Overall, the acquisition of the WCFC represents a major leap forward in UMT’s experimental capabilities, reinforcing its role as an international centre of excellence in maritime and ocean studies,” he said.

 -- BERNAMA