University helps to showcase National Centre for Marine Autonomy unveiled at Oceanology International 2026

The event has been attended by senior leaders from the University in addition to researchers, technicians, students, and graduates

The University of Plymouth has joined partners from the city and the wider South West to showcase Plymouth’s status as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy (NCMA) to a global audience

University helps to showcase National Centre for Marine Autonomy unveiled at Oceanology International 2026

The event has been attended by senior leaders from the University in addition to researchers, technicians, students, and graduates

Mr Alan Williams

Media and Communications Manager

Corporate Communications (Marketing and Communications)

10 March 2026

The University of Plymouth has joined partners from the city and the wider South West to showcase Plymouth’s status as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy (NCMA) to a global audience.

The NCMA was designated by the Ministry of Defence in June last year, one of a series of announcements that placed Plymouth and the wider South West at the heart of the UK’s capability and resilience in defence and dual-use technologies.

It acknowledged the city’s existing position as a hub of innovation and expertise in all aspects of marine autonomy, and its ambition to grow that influence and leadership at a regional, national and international level.

Now many of its key partners – spanning national and local government, industry, academia and regulatory bodies – have come together to present the NCMA to delegates at Oceanology International 2026, the world’s premier biennial ocean technology exhibition.

They included senior leaders from the University, researchers in marine autonomy and similar disciplines, technicians and students working on marine autonomy-related initiatives, and graduates from a wide range of courses now working across the sector.

When Plymouth was announced as the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, it was clear evidence of the positive impact its expertise could bring to bear right across the UK.

This is also a global opportunity to building on our city’s world-renowned maritime heritage and reaffirm its position as a place of outstanding marine innovation, ingenuity and talent development. The organisations showcasing the NCMA this week represent a clear demonstration of the collective will to succeed, and to ensure our city’s marine autonomy excellence touches every part of our society.

Professor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor and chair of Team Plymouth’s Business, Innovation and Marine Autonomy workstream

Professor Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, with Rebecca Smith MP and other representatives from the National Centre for Marine Autonomy at its global launch in Excel London

More than 25 leading businesses and organisations from across the marine and defence sectors have united on a stand, co-ordinated by the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, at the event taking place this week at Excel London.

An official launch event was held on the NCMA stand, with Luke Pollard MP (Plymouth Sutton and Devonport) and Rebecca Smith MP (South West Devon) among those highlighting the NCMA’s importance for the city and region, and the UK as a whole.

Luke Pollard MP said:

“The National Centre for Marine Autonomy is a game-changer for Plymouth and the wider South West. Showcasing the NCMA at Oceanology International 2026 is a proud moment that highlights our city’s transition into a global tech powerhouse. We are combining our rich naval heritage with future-facing innovation to ensure Plymouth remains at the forefront of the global blue economy for decades to come."

Rebecca Smith MP said:

“The launch of the National Centre for Marine Autonomy is an important step for Plymouth and the South West. The NCMA brings together expertise from across the UK, supporting collaboration, skills development, and the infrastructure needed for businesses to grow and innovate. Having spoken numerous times with marine companies at Turnchapel Wharf and at the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, I’ve seen the talent and ambition present in our city. The NCMA provides an opportunity to build on these strengths, create jobs, develop skills, and ensure the UK maintains a strong role internationally in marine technology.”

Rebecca Smith MP speaks at the global launch of the National Centre for Marine Autonomy at Oceanology International 2026

The official launch is part of a series of activities taking place at Oceanology International that involve NCMA representatives. They include themed panel sessions, keynote addresses, live demonstrations and technical presentations.

Among them is a panel discussion around coastal and marine policy, innovation and skills chaired by Professor Kevin Jones , Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Plymouth, with panellists Fred Thomas MP (Plymouth Moor View) and Ned Baker, the UK Managing Director of Helsing.

Fred Thomas MP said:

“Plymouth is a world leader in marine autonomy. We have fantastic companies working on cutting-edge technologies that are leading the way for British innovation. It’s great to see them come together at Oceanology International to showcase the fantastic work ongoing in Plymouth.”

The NCMA is centred around an all-encompassing ecosystem of marine autonomy excellence housed predominantly in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, and the wider South West of England. It embraces the region’s unique coastal geography, which includes the UK’s first National Marine Park and Smart Sound Plymouth – the UK's premier marine autonomy testbed.

It is an area that also comprises the largest naval base in Western Europe, large and small industries, cutting-edge science and development, world-leading facilities, and a widely held commitment to fostering better skills, education and opportunities.

The NCMA’s plans for the future are currently being driven through Team Plymouth, the consortium developing an ambitious defence-driven growth programme that capitalises on Plymouth being one of five locations earmarked to benefit from the Government’s £250 million Defence Growth Deals initiative.

Council Leader Tudor Evans OBE said:

“We have some extraordinary businesses and organisations here in Plymouth who are at the cutting edge of this incredibly exciting sector. Since the city was designated National Centre for Marine Autonomy, we have seen a huge surge of interest from other business and organisations and it is thanks to events like these where Plymouth can showcase our credentials that we can cement our reputation as leader in this rapidly developing field.”

Richard May, CEO of Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, said:

“The launch of the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy shows how we are building sovereign capability in one of the fastest-growing global sectors. Anchoring the centre in Plymouth reinforces the city’s leadership in marine innovation. As the UK’s Defence Freeport, we provide the land, property and tax incentives that help these businesses invest, test and scale. We were proud to bring partners together at Oceanology International 2026 to showcase the capability that exists here in Plymouth.”

Mr Alan Williams

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