Centro Tecnológico Naval

What Centro Tecnológico Naval does

Centro Tecnológico Naval y del Mar (CTN) is a non-profit business association founded in 2003 and headquartered in the Technology Park of Fuente Álamo, Region of Murcia, Spain. It functions as an applied technology center and industry association for the maritime-naval sector, governed by founding member companies (SAES, SIDMAR, Fish Farm Feeder, Mecánicas Bolea, Seabots, HERJIMAR, Kiteris, APC) and the Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO). Its operational scope spans hydroacoustics, underwater noise management, aquaculture digitalization, European project coordination, and industrial digital transformation services.

CTN's product portfolio is built around three interconnected pillars. The first is a proprietary aquaculture digital twin stack led by AQUAMOORE (real-time structural monitoring and prediction of offshore aquaculture infrastructure under adverse weather, with sub-13% prediction error), its commercial evolution DIGISAFE (risk management visualization), and successor AQUOSIM (combining biological, hydroacoustic, and structural simulation). The second is the SICA-SAVEFEED smart acoustic sensor for real-time fish feeding behavior monitoring. The third is the Marine Acoustics Data Knowledge Hub (KNOISE Hub), launched in May 2026 as an international digital ecosystem centralizing underwater acoustic data, tools, and services. Underpinning these is the Laboratorio de Hidroacústica (LHA), a 10-meter tank laboratory for IEC60565-compliant transducer characterization (3 kHz to 1 MHz), and a granted patent (P201232056) on an elastomer composition for underwater noise mitigation.

The revenue model blends four streams: (1) R&D project services and technological surveillance sold to maritime-naval companies and public administrations, (2) European project coordination via the OPEUMAR office (H2020/Horizon Europe partner search and proposal management), (3) recurring membership fees from founding and associate members, and (4) Spanish government-backed digitalization services (Kit Digital LEAN 4.0 packages priced €500–€6,000 per SME, Kit Consulting advisory). The organization holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, has won the Jacumar National Aquaculture Award twice (2022, 2024), and operates as a recognized technical reference for national marine authorities on underwater noise management.

Name

Centro Tecnológico Naval

Legal name

ASOCIACIÓN CENTRO TECNOLÓGICO NAVAL Y DEL MAR

Website

https://ctnaval.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Centro Tecnológico Naval (CTN) is a 2003-founded non-profit technology center in Murcia, Spain, serving maritime-naval and aquaculture companies through R&D, hydroacoustic testing, digital twin products (AQUAMOORE, DIGISAFE), and European project coordination.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Technology R&D and Innovation Services

NAICS

Aquaculture (11251), Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainability & Environmental Compliance Digital Solutions (Emissions, MRV, Waste, Noise) (TLAHAOAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

Digital Yard Infrastructure & Asset Monitoring (IoT, CMMS, Crane/Dock Monitoring) (IMAJALAM)

Keywords

• Underwater noise management
• Hydroacoustic laboratory services
• Aquaculture digital twins
• European project consulting
• Maritime technology research

Headquarters

HQ city

Fuente-Álamo

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. R&D Project Services: Technology center provides R&D project development, technological surveillance, and innovation services to maritime-naval sector companies and public administration.
2. European Project Coordination: Facilitates participation of companies and associations in international technological cooperation programs, providing project management, partner search, and proposal elaboration services.
3. Membership Fees: Non-profit business association supported by maritime sector companies and public administration (Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia). Companies join as founding or associate members.
4. Kit Digital Digitalization Services: As a Digitalization Agent, CTN offers process digitization solutions for SMEs based on LEAN Manufacturing methodology, with services ranging from 500€ basic to 6,000€ premium.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Centro Tecnológico Naval y del Mar (CTN) is a non-profit technology center and business association that delivers R&D services, hydroacoustic laboratory testing, digital twin solutions for offshore aquaculture (AQUAMOORE, DIGISAFE, SICA-SAVEFEED, AQUOSIM), underwater noise environmental management via the KNOISE Hub, technological surveillance, and European project coordination for the maritime-naval and Blue Economy sectors. Founded in 2003 in Fuente Álamo, Murcia, it generates revenue through professional services for member companies, public administration (Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia), SMEs via Kit Digital, and European consortia.

Product overview

Centro Tecnológico Naval (CTN) operates as a non-profit technology center serving the maritime and naval sector since 2003. Its portfolio centers on a platform-plus-services model for the Blue Economy, combining specialized aquaculture technology products (AQUAMOORE, DIGISAFE, SICA-SAVEFEED, AQUOSIM), the Marine Acoustics Data Knowledge Hub for underwater noise management, hydroacoustic laboratory services, and digital transformation offerings (LEAN 4.0 process management, Kit Consulting, Kit Digital). These products are interconnected: AQUAMOORE and its successor AQUOSIM share the Digital Twin architecture; DIGISAFE builds on the sensorization pioneered in DIGI SAFE CAGE; the KNOISE Hub aggregates acoustic data and tools from the hydroacoustic laboratory and underwater noise management service; and LEAN services support digital adoption across all solutions. CTN also provides technological surveillance and European project advisory as cross-cutting enablers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AQUAMOORE: Project for predicting the behaviour of aquaculture nurseries in the face of adverse weather events, including standardized methodology for design of mooring lines for floating offshore infrastructure.
• DIGISAFE
• SICA-SAVEFEED
• Marine Acoustics Data Knowledge Hub

Products and services

• Marine Acoustics Data Knowledge Hub (KNOISE HUB) International digital ecosystem for underwater noise management, centralizing acoustic data, tools, resources, services, webinars, and specialized knowledge for businesses, administrations, consultancies, offshore developers, ports, and research centers to advance sustainable Blue Economy.
• AQUAMOORE Standardized methodology for offshore aquaculture infrastructure design and monitoring, using advanced sensor networks (load sensors, accelerometers, GPS, oceanographic buoys) with satellite connectivity and a Digital Twin for structural behavior prediction against adverse weather events, with less than 13% prediction error.
• DIGISAFE Digital risk management platform for offshore aquaculture infrastructures using real-time data, predictive models, and digital twin visualization to anticipate extreme weather events and ensure operational continuity.
• SICA-SAVEFEED Smart acoustic sensor providing real-time data on fish feeding behavior, enabling operators to optimize rations, improve feed efficiency, and implement sustainable feeding practices in aquaculture.
• AQUOSIM Simulation platform optimizing aquaculture system management through data integration and advanced models. Extends AQUAMOORE's structural safety focus to include biological and hydroacoustic models for understanding the relationship between physical environment, naval structure, and species behavior in offshore aquaculture.
• Laboratorio de Hidroacústica (LHA) Hydroacoustic laboratory providing R&D project support and acoustic characterization of underwater equipment. Features a 10-meter depth tank with georeferenced positioners enabling open-field measurements from 3 kHz. Services include characterization of electro-acoustic transducers, underwater material testing (Echo reduction, Insertion Loss), and anechoic tank materials development including patented elastomer composition (P201232056) for underwater noise mitigation.
• Kit Consulting Spanish government aid program for SMEs' digital transformation. CTN offers digital advisory services including basic and advanced data analysis, AI advisory, cybersecurity, business strategy and performance, business process optimization, and 360-degree digital transformation advisory.
• LEAN 4.0 – Gestión de Procesos (Kit Digital) Digital process management solution for SMEs based on Lean Manufacturing methodology. CTN identifies process improvement opportunities and adapts digital tools for efficient process management. Offered as an Agente Digitalizador under the Kit Digital program, co-financed by Next Generation EU funds. Pricing: basic service from €500, premium service up to €6,000.
• Vigilancia Tecnológica Technological surveillance service helping companies obtain competitive advantages through selection and analysis of scientific, technological, commercial, market, and social information. Includes bulletins, reports, and a Technology Observatory for the Blue Economy.
• Oficina de Proyectos Europeos (OPEUMAR) European projects office promoting participation of maritime sector companies in international technological cooperation programs. Services include H2020/Horizon Europe work program analysis, participation potential assessment, project evaluation, partner search, proposal development, project execution support, and administrative/contractual accompaniment with the European Commission.
• Gestión Ambiental de la Contaminación por Ruido Submarino Environmental management service for underwater noise pollution. Includes bibliographical resources, free and advanced training courses, technical advisory for monitoring campaign design, data processing, noise propagation models, and mitigation measures. CTN serves as reference for major national marine agents (Ministry, DG Costas, IEO) on underwater noise management.
• Sistema de Mejora Continua LEAN Continuous improvement management system helping companies achieve operational excellence through strategic planning, process improvement, and LEAN 4.0 digital transformation including 4.0 dashboards (KPIs and sensorization), process digitization (Digital Twin), scenario prediction, and product innovation toward Industry 4.0.
• Aquaculture 4.0 CTN's flagship digitalization program for the European aquaculture industry, focused on digitalization, AI, IoT, and digital twins applied to aquaculture for process optimization and a more efficient and sustainable industry.

Quantifiable outcome

• Structural prediction error margin less than 13% for offshore aquaculture infrastructure
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic administration entity represented in CTN as founding member. Provides regional development funding and supports CTN's technological initiatives including AQUAMOORE and European project coordination.
• SAES (Submarine Electronics)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnderwater electronics company, founding member of CTN. Collaborates on maritime technology projects and hydroacoustic solutions.
• Fish Farm FeedercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAquaculture equipment company, founding member. Partner in aquaculture technology development including feeding optimization systems.
• SIDMARcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaritime sector company, founding member. Active participant in naval technology and innovation projects.
• HERJIMARcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaritime sector company, founding member. Collaborates on naval technology development initiatives.
• Mecánicas BoleacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMechanical engineering company in naval sector, founding member. Pedro Saura Bolea currently serves as CTN President.
• SeabotscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaritime robotics and automation technology company. Partner in digital transformation and aquaculture technology projects.
• Sociedad Española de Acuicultura (SEA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish Aquaculture Society partnered with CTN to host the national Aquaculture Day 2025 in the Region of Murcia. Jointly organizes aquaculture transfer technology events and awards.
• Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional technical university. Co-organizer of Aquaculture Day 2025 events and partner in technology transfer and research projects.
• Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Medioambiental (IMIDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional research institute. Partner in aquaculture research, technology development, and the AquaSmart Hub FP educational project.
• Clúster Marítimo AndaluzminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAndalusian maritime cluster. Collaborates with CTN on the Blue Core en Ruta initiative to promote blue economy entrepreneurship.
• Consorcio de la Zona Franca de CádizminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic consortium driving the Blue Core incubator program for blue economy companies. CTN participates in Blue Core en Ruta events.
• European Commission DG HOMEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDirectorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs. Collaborated with CTN on maritime security session during European funding workshop on Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society (Horizon Europe).
• European Aquaculture SocietyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizer of Aquaculture Europe 2025. CTN served as official sponsor and organizer of the Precision Aquaculture 4.0 session at the Valencia conference.
• Ocean EcostructuresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine technology company specializing in sustainable ocean solutions. Partner in CTN ecosystem focused on blue economy innovation.
• APC (Análisis y Проекты)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical engineering and project analysis company. Partner member in CTN technology network.
• Kiteris (HSI Kiteris)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering and sustainability consultancy. Partner in CTN for maritime and environmental technology projects.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights11 records

Direct peers

• JASCO Applied Sciences: JASCO is a specialist consultancy in underwater acoustics, noise measurement, and bioacoustics for regulators and offshore industries. It is a direct comparable to CTN's underwater noise management service line and KNOISE Hub offering for environmental impact assessment.
• Ocean Sonics: Ocean Sonics builds underwater acoustic measurement instruments and software used for marine mammal monitoring and underwater noise compliance. Comparable to CTN's hydroacoustic instrumentation and underwater noise work, but on the equipment vendor side.
• CETMAR - Centro Tecnológico del Mar: CETMAR is a Galician (Spain) non-profit maritime technology foundation that drives innovation across fisheries, aquaculture, and marine biotechnology. Like CTN, it acts as a bridge between industry, academia, and government for Blue Economy R&D, and it runs similar European project brokerage services — making it the closest Spanish counterpart.
• PLOCAN - Plataforma Oceánica de Canarias: PLOCAN is a Spanish public consortium providing offshore testing infrastructure and marine technology services in the Canary Islands. It mirrors CTN's model of operating test facilities, coordinating R&D projects, and supporting Blue Economy startups — giving both organizations comparable testbed-plus-consulting revenue mixes.

Broad incumbents

• SINTEF Ocean: SINTEF Ocean is one of Europe's largest marine R&D institutes with aquaculture, fisheries, and maritime technology programs. It is comparable to CTN in mission (applied ocean R&D and aquaculture 4.0) but operates at a far larger scale with global commercial and policy reach.
• National Oceanography Centre (NOC): NOC is the UK's centre for oceanographic science and underwater technology, including autonomous platforms and acoustic sensing. Comparable to CTN's hydroacoustic and underwater sensing capabilities, but at much broader scope and scale.
• Ifremer: Ifremer is France's national institute for ocean science and aquaculture technology. Comparable along marine research, ocean observation, and aquaculture digitalization — comparable product lines like sensorized farms and noise management studies — but at a national-institution scale many times CTN's.
• Wageningen University & Research - Wageningen Marine Research: Wageningen Marine Research is a leading applied marine research organization in aquaculture and sustainable seafood. It overlaps with CTN's aquaculture and underwater-noise work, but at much greater scale and with deeper academic integration.

Regional players

• AIDIMME - Instituto Tecnológico Metalmecánico, Mueble, Madera, Embalaje y Afines: AIDIMME is a Spanish non-profit technology centre (member of the Red ITI network) that delivers R&D, technological surveillance, and Kit Digital digitalization services to industry. Operationally analogous to CTN's technology-center-plus-Kit-Digital model, though in a different vertical, so it shows how comparable centers commercialize such offerings.
• ITU - Instituto Tecnológico de la Producción: Spanish-language public technology institute supporting industrial digitalization and aquaculture-adjacent sectors. Comparable to CTN as a public non-profit technology center providing digitization services (Kit Digital-type offerings) to SMEs, though operating in Latin America rather than Spain.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CTNInnova
• Facebookfacebook.com/CTNInnova
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/centro-tecnologico-naval-y-del-mar

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Centro Tecnológico Naval