Plymouth to be national centre for marine autonomy

The University is among the key partners in a programme that will reinforce Plymouth’s place as a hub of marine autonomy expertise and excellence
USV Cetus & Falcon Spirit
Plymouth is to be the national centre for marine autonomy following an announcement by the Defence Minister during a keynote address at a major city networking event.
The city is already making waves in this area of marine technology, but the announcement – made by the Right Honourable Maria Eagle, Minister of State (Defence Procurement and Industry) – will catapult the city and its expertise into the spotlight.
The news came as the city played host to a gathering of the South West Regional Defence and Security Cluster, involving key figures from the world of marine and defence, and local companies to explore opportunities for future projects and investment.
The industry predicts a global marine autonomy market worth £103 billion by 2030, with the UK adopting a 10 per cent market share.

This acknowledges the key role Plymouth is already playing in the development and delivery of marine autonomy.

But being recognised as the national centre of excellence represents a once in a lifetime opportunity that will open new doors for the University and our partners. Working across existing and new collaborations, we can now push forward with ambitious plans to grow a sector that is critical to our nation’s defence and security, and has the potential to benefit the environment, business, health and much more besides. Together, we have the skills and expertise to deliver on those ambitions, fostering new opportunities that benefit the city, region and country in the long-term.

Richard DaviesProfessor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor

This is superb news. We knew Plymouth was creating something special in the blue/green skills sector, but it is always great to see others endorse what you believe. We have some extraordinary businesses and organisations here in Plymouth who are at the cutting edge of this incredibly exciting sector. The world is waking up to all the possibilities marine autonomy offers and we are very keen indeed to help connect Plymouth businesses to the right people and the right organisations. Investing in Plymouth's businesses for testing and developing marine autonomy will enable UK PLC to build sovereign capabilities and secure a significant share in this growing market, particularly in the fields of defence, renewables, and oil and gas.

Cllr Tudor Evans OBE
Leader, Plymouth City Council

We have a strategic defence review that sets out that we will have fighting structure which includes marine autonomy. Defence is an engine for growth. This an opportunity to develop, scale up and test marine autonomy. This sector is incredible, innovative and the work we are doing in the city is cutting edge. There is a place for investment and that’s Plymouth.

Luke Pollard MP
MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Plymouth to be national centre for marine autonomy
More than 170 people attended an event held in the Market Hall in Devonport
Plymouth and its surrounding area has a rich ecosystem of private sector businesses and world-renowned research capabilities across marine autonomy, and it is a global centre of excellence for marine science and technology.
Global research partners include the University, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and the Marine Biological Association – who work collaboratively through the Marine Research Plymouth Alliance – and drawing in marine autonomy companies including Sonardyne, Fugro, Thales, M Subs, Oshen, Zero USV.
Many of them were represented at the event at the Market Hall in Devonport, which was attended by more than 170 people, and where other key speakers included Sir Chris Gardner KBE Chief Executive Officer of the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Royal Navy’s Vice Admiral Andrew Burns, awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University in 2022.
There were also representatives from Thales, Atlas Electronics as well as a themed discussion on advanced marine technology and how Plymouth will drive innovation in dual-use technology for UK Security by Mr Kevin Forshaw , Director of Marine Business Development at the University of Plymouth, and PML.
 

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