Centre for Marine Autonomy, Maritime Cyber Security and Technology (CMAST)

A key driver of maritime cyber security research at the heart of the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy
University of Plymouth vessels on test patrol in Plymouth sound with network overlay

Centre for Marine Autonomy, Maritime Cyber Security and Technology (CMAST)

A key driver of maritime cyber security research at the heart of the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy


CMAST is founded on the achievement of research excellence across autonomous maritime technology and systems, and the cyber security of these technologies and systems.
The Centre blends these areas of research excellence holistically, understanding the systems of technology, people, and processes in unique surface and underwater environments. This mirrors the complex microcosm of industry and defence in the South West region, but also nationally and (because of the nature of our oceans) internationally. 
We bring together diverse research disciplines and stakeholders to continue pioneering safe, cyber-secure, sustainable, and advanced autonomous maritime systems.

Advancing systems and technologies in and on our oceans is enabling their increased visibility and use. Marine autonomy is a key part of this development, but it is not alone in the ecosystem and the whole picture should be considered. For example, while it is critical to develop these solutions, it is also critical that they are safe and cyber-secure.

CMAST provides that holistic system-of-systems approach. This Centre will help interface external partners and internal expertise to meet complex challenges regionally and internationally.

Kimberly TamDr Kimberly Tam
Associate Professor of Cyber Security, Marine and Maritime Theme Lead at the Alan Turing Institute, and Director of CMAST

 

Research projects

CROWN Lab
Cyber-Resilience of Offshore Wind Networks (CROWN)
Poole harbour
Virtual Energy Simulation for Shore-side Electrification Load (VESSEL)
Smart shipping
Smart shipping safety and cyber assurance

Harbour with graphical overlay
SAIMAS – Secure AI within Marine Autonomy Systems
Cargo ship with graphics symbolising smart shipping
Cyber skills for remote operator jobs in transportation sectors
Long exposure image of stars over the ocean
SeXTANt (Secure X Trustworthy AI Navigation)
 
 
 

Research highlights: marine autonomy

The University of Plymouth has been working in the development and application of marine autonomous systems for over 30 years. 
Extensive marine and maritime expertise, world-class facilities, strong industry partnerships and coastal deployment capabilities provide an unrivalled ecosystem to transform ocean observation at a significantly lower cost and environmental impact. We configure autonomous systems for a range of applications, from environmental monitoring to defence and commercial operations. 
USV Cetus & Falcon Spirit

Research team

 

In the news

Platform development and operational deployment image. Two close up boats on the sea. 
What does specialisation for a university mean in a defence-led economy?

Opportunities and challenges in the wake of Government defence spending announcements and the Post-16 white paper

11 November 2025
 
 
 

Research facilities

Marine Station
Marine Station
Cyber-SHIP Lab
Cyber-SHIP Lab
Autonomous Systems Test Laboratory
Autonomous Systems Test Laboratory
Falcon Spirit
Our vessels
CROWN Lab
Cyber-Resilience of Offshore Wind Networks (CROWN)
Marine Navigation Centre
Marine Navigation Centre
Maritime Simulation Laboratory
Maritime Simulation Laboratory
COAST Lab - 2013914
Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport (COAST) laboratory

Related study opportunities

 
 
 
 

Delivering on the UK's defence and security priorities

Our maritime cyber security research forms a key part of the contribution of the University and its partners – 'Team Plymouth' – to the UK's 2025 Strategic Defence Review.
Plymouth docklands at mouth of the Tamar

CMAST partners