ARMSCOR

The Institute for Maritime Technology (IMT) is a professional body established to provide research and development services to the South African Department of Defence in the maritime environment.
The Institute was founded in 1975 to provide science-based technological support to the South African Navy for carrying out its seaward military operations. Initially, work undertaken was aimed at naval operational research and the establishment of underwater technology in the local defence research environment.

Over the years, capabilities have been developed to meet the growing demands of not only the South African Navy and other members of the maritime community but also that of commercial clients.
Where dual purpose technology is developed, application in the commercial environment is pursued in conjunction with partners in industry. Spin-offs from techno-military activities are developed into commercial products. Financial gains from such ventures are applied to enhance IMT capabilities to serve its clients. Projects not related to the Defence are executed to the same standards and management processes as projects for the military.


An example of spin-offs from techno-military activities is the application of IMT’s underwater acoustic expertise to the development of the Ultrasonic Broken Rail Detector (UBRD) system. The UBRD system is designed to reliably detect breaks in continuously welded rails.
Through the combined expertise and dedication of professional staff IMT today provides a techno-scientific foundation for the exploration, conceptualisation, improvement, modernisation, in-service engineering, and maintenance of systems that ensures our clients accomplish its role and responsibilities in an optimum manner.