Plymouth Named National Centre for Marine Autonomy

Strategic Insights -

Plymouth City Council and the UK Government announced that Plymouth will become the national centre for marine autonomy, a move that is expected to catapult the city's expertise in marine technology into the spotlight. The city is already a hub for marine science and technology, with a rich ecosystem of private sector businesses and world-renowned research capabilities. The announcement was made by Defence Minister Maria Eagle, who highlighted the potential of marine autonomy to drive innovation and secure a significant share in the growing market.

Key Takeaways:

  • Plymouth will become the national centre for marine autonomy, with a focus on developing and delivering marine autonomy capabilities.
  • The city has a rich ecosystem of private sector businesses and world-renowned research capabilities in marine science and technology.
  • The UK market is expected to adopt a 10% share of the global marine autonomy market, worth £103 billion by 2030.
  • Plymouth has over 7,100 skilled people in marine manufacturing, accounting for 21% of the national employment in the blue tech/marine sector.
  • The city is already making waves in marine autonomy, with companies like Thales, M Subs, Oshen, Zero USV, Sonardyne, and Fugro based in Plymouth.
  • M Subs successfully sailed the first autonomous vessel across the Atlantic in 2020, and the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS400) was the world's first full-sized, fully autonomous, unmanned ship to cross the ocean.

Statistics:

  • 7,100 skilled people in marine manufacturing in Plymouth.
  • 21% of the national employment in the blue tech/marine sector in Plymouth.
  • 11.3% of the city's total employment is in the blue tech/marine sector.
  • £103 billion: the global marine autonomy market by 2030.
  • 10%: the UK market share in the global marine autonomy market projected by 2030.

Sources:

  • Plymouth City Council website.
  • UK Government news release.
  • Interview with Tudor Evans OBE, Council Leader.
  • Speech by Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport.
  • Speech by Professor Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth.