Marine Autonomy
Plymouth stands at the forefront of the UK’s maritime innovation as the National Centre for Marine Autonomy.
With the global marine autonomy market projected to reach £103 billion by 2030, and the UK targeting a 10% share, Plymouth’s growing ecosystem of industry, research, and technology investment is critical to realising that ambition. Continued investment in the city’s marine autonomy hub will strengthen UK sovereign capability, stimulate growth across defence, renewable energy, and oil and gas sectors, and deliver on national priorities outlined in Invest 2035 and Maritime 2050.
The best place
Plymouth is a national leader in marine innovation, combining advanced research, cutting-edge maritime infrastructure, and unique coastal geography. It hosts the UK’s largest naval base, the first National Marine Park, and the Western Channel Observatory, providing vital environmental data for industry and academia.
The city’s extensive port facilities include the South West’s largest port network, with major hubs like Turnchapel Wharf, Barbican Landing Stage, Cattedown Wharves, Corporation Wharf, Millbay Docks, and Victoria Wharf supporting commercial and renewable energy activities. Plymouth’s five marinas—Sutton Harbour, King Point, Queen Anne’s Battery, Plymouth Yacht Haven & Dry Stack, and Mayflower Marina—offer outstanding infrastructure and direct access to key maritime routes.
The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport boosts growth in marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy by offering tax incentives, business rates relief, and custom benefits across three key sites—Langage, Sherford, and South Yard. It supports innovation, attracts investment, creates jobs, and drives economic regeneration.
Smart Sound Plymouth is the UK’s leading test range for autonomous marine technology. Its advanced offshore facilities enable cutting-edge trials and development in marine autonomy, bringing together public, private, and academic partners to drive innovation.
Supporting this dynamic environment, Plymouth hosts one of Europe’s leading marine research clusters, including the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, University of Plymouth, and the Marine Biological Association, driving progress in marine science, autonomy, and sustainability.
The best people
Plymouth is a national hub for marine autonomy, powered by world-class education, research, and collaboration between business, academia, and government.
The University of Plymouth trains over 2,600 students in marine disciplines, including postgraduate programmes in Autonomous Systems and Robotics aligned with industry needs in AI, navigation, and data science. City College Plymouth strengthens this talent pipeline with the UK’s first Marine Autonomous Vehicle Foundation Degree and £2 million in new facilities.
The South West Regional Defence and Security Cluster and Maritime UK South West drive regional innovation by connecting defence, academia, and business to grow the UK’s ocean technology sector and support strategic investment.
Thales’ Maritime Autonomy Centre, established in 2018, cements Plymouth’s role as a testbed for next-gen autonomous systems, hosting trials, supporting the UK‑France MMCM programme, and enabling collaboration across industry and research.
Research capabilities
Plymouth is a global centre for marine innovation, renowned for cutting-edge research, advanced testing facilities, and collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Its research community leads breakthroughs in marine autonomy, ocean sustainability, and clean energy, building on a world-class heritage in ocean science.
Marine Research Plymouth unites the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and the University of Plymouth — forming the UK’s largest marine science cluster with specialist facilities from wave tanks and ship simulators to cyber labs and coastal observatories.
The National Centre for Coastal Autonomy, launched in 2023, focuses on autonomous coastal marine science and develops the connected Western Channel Observatory. C-DORE (Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy) advances research in offshore renewables and net zero technologies.
Through the Regulators Pioneer Fund, Plymouth City Council and partners are creating a national testbed for autonomous and zero-emission vessels, strengthening the UK’s leadership in maritime innovation and regulation.
Find out more about the Marine Autonomy sector in Plymouth.
Get in touch
If your business operates in the marine autonomy sector and you’re looking to grow or relocate to Plymouth, our Invest Plymouth team can help. Contact us today to explore the tailored support and opportunities available in this industry.
Latest Marine News
The latest episode of Invest Plymouth Business Spotlights is here!
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