“The Marine Institute was set up under the Marine Institute Act 1991: “to undertake, to coordinate, to promote and to assist in marine research and development and to provide such services related to research and development, that in the opinion of the Institute, will promote economic development and create employment and protect the marine environment.”

The Marine Institute is the State agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. They provide scientific and technical advice to Government to help inform policy and to support the sustainable development of Ireland’s marine resource. The Marine Institute established the SmartBay test site in 2006 and provides a range of services supporting marine technology development. The Marine Research Infrastructures team manages and operates the SmartBay facility.  

P&O Maritime Logistics provide support to the Marine Institute in technical operations, deployments, and maintenance of the SmartBay facility.