Dr Ian Ashton

Dr Ian Ashton is a physical oceanographer and metocean specialist who uses new technologies to improve understanding of the marine environment. Ian is experienced in leading offshore measurement campaigns, wave measurement programmes and metocean monitoring initiatives, combining satellite Earth observation data, autonomous monitoring systems and machine learning approaches to improve understanding of ocean conditions.

The next generation of metocean monitoring will be delivered through integrated observing networks that combine wave buoys, ADCPs, satellite observations, autonomous vehicles and numerical models. Ian's research is developing these technologies to improve the quality and availability of metocean data used for marine operations, maritime infrastructure, offshore wind, marine renewable energy projects, seaweed aquaculture and long-duration uncrewed vessels.

For offshore wind, wave energy and tidal energy, Ian’s work has demonstrated how improved live metocean data can enable safer, more efficient marine operations. Alongside this, applying novel sensing technologies, machine learning and condition monitoring techniques is helping address reliability and operational challenges for offshore wind, wave energy and other marine renewable energy technologies.

Ian has extensive experience in the deployment and analysis of wave buoys, ADCPs, current profilers and other oceanographic instrumentation in challenging offshore environments In particular, Ian leads metocean monitoring activities at the FaBTest marine renewable energy test site. He has provided more than 10 years of metocean data in support of multiple at-sea wave energy device tests, dynamic cable trials, wave buoy technology development and offshore platform deployments in Falmouth Bay.

Next-generation metocean monitoring includes uncrewed and autonomous marine systems, and increasing use of satellite-derived data, which offer new opportunities for monitoring our oceans. Ian’s work on the MaLCOM projects is developing integrated metocean monitoring networks using machine learning and AI to integrate in-situ observations, uncrewed vessel data, satellite data and numerical models to deliver more accurate, reliable and accessible metocean data.

Research projects

Royal Academy of Engineering, Industrial Research Fellowship with SSE Renewables - Optimum metocean monitoring strategies for offshore wind

Implementing integrated metocean monitoring network developed through the MaLCOM projects to SSE Renewables operational offshore wind sites. Project develops an integrated metocean network using SSE Renewables existing infrastructure and data to provide higher temporal and spatial resolution data for offshore wind farms.

EPSRC / IDCORE (Industrial Doctorate Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy)

Supervising and mentoring PhD researchers undertaking industrially focused research in offshore wind, marine renewable energy and marine operations. Projects span metocean monitoring, wave measurements, autonomous and uncrewed systems, machine learning applications, oceanographic observations and the use of emerging technologies to improve offshore operations and environmental monitoring.

EPSRC Supergen ORE Hub, with the Met Office – MaLCOM (Machine Learning for Low-Cost Offshore Modelling)

Developing machine-learning approaches for real-time metocean forecasting by combining wave buoy observations with numerical models. The project demonstrated low-cost AI-based prediction of waves and marine conditions for offshore wind, marine renewable energy and offshore operations, with applications for autonomous and uncrewed vessels operating in the Celtic Sea and beyond.

European Space Agency – AMT4OceanSatFlux

Using advanced in-situ observations, eddy covariance measurements and satellite Earth observation to quantify air-sea CO₂ exchange across the Atlantic Ocean. The project helps improve satellite-derived estimates of ocean carbon uptake, air-sea gas exchange and ocean acidification, supporting global climate monitoring and Earth observation programmes.

European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) – Sustainable Seaweed Aquaculture

Coordinating offshore field trials to support environmentally and commercially sustainable seaweed aquaculture in UK waters. Research included site assessment, environmental monitoring, stakeholder engagement and evaluation of the opportunities and challenges associated with novel aquaculture and the emerging blue economy.

EU Interreg – TIGER (Tidal Stream Industry Energiser)

Providing metocean, wave and current measurement support for one of Europe's largest tidal energy demonstration programmes. Activities included resource assessment, operational monitoring and environmental data analysis to support tidal energy deployment and marine operations in the UK and France, with particular emphasis on currents, ADCP observations and offshore renewable energy development.

EU Interreg Atlantic Area – FANBEST

Supporting technology transfer and innovation across the blue economy through collaboration with marine technology SMEs, researchers and investors.

ERDF – Marine-i (Phases 1 & 2)

Supporting the development of innovative marine technologies in Cornwall through research, testing and industry collaboration. Activities included projects related to offshore wind, marine renewable energy, maritime operations, autonomous vessels, environmental monitoring and emerging ocean technologies, helping marine businesses bring new products and services to market.