Generic historical image of boating engineers

Our Heritage

BMT was established in 1985 by bringing together research and technology organisations that traced their roots back to the beginning of the 20th century.

Formed in 1985 from the merger of the UK's British Ship Research Association and National Maritime Institute, BMT's heritage includes the water tanks where the famous 'bouncing bomb' was developed during WWII as well as major, more recent advances in computer-aided design and aerodynamics.

Our commitment to investing in people and high-quality research has enabled the modern BMT to continue that pioneering maritime spirit: from designing the world's most advanced aircraft carrier to creating new measuring and monitoring systems for the offshore oil and gas industry. In commercial shipping we have played a key role in landmark events, including the investigation into the 1987 sinking of the RoRo ferry, Herald of Free Enterprise. On land, BMT has helped to test and improve the design of some of the world's tallest buildings and fastest racing cars. We are also now part of the European Space Agency development team.

To find out more about the first 25 years of our heritage and to learn about the experience, insight and knowledge that has shaped the BMT of today, take a look at the 25-year presentation video and image gallery.