Plymouth’s place as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy (NCMA) has been
showcased to a global audience at Oceanology International 2026.
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 the
world’s premier biennial ocean technology exhibition.
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 today, 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.”
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 will be 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.
Professor Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth and chair of Team
Plymouth’s Business, Innovation and Marine Autonomy workstream, said: “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.”
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.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About the National Centre for Marine Autonomy (NCMA)
The National Centre for Marine Autonomy (NCMA) aims to lead, coordinate, and enable the
development of the UK’s comprehensive capability in marine autonomy; to strengthen
national prosperity and security; and to support all sectors within a growing global market. Its
vision is to enable a safe, agile, permissive, and reliable ecosystem that unlocks UK
innovation in marine autonomy, transforming how we explore, protect, and utilise our
oceans.
The NCMA connects expertise across the UK for the benefit of all. Anchored in Plymouth, it
harnesses the South West’s unique geography, oceanography and capabilities; capitalising
on its regional ecosystem to accelerate the development, testing, assurance, and adoption
of maritime autonomous systems. Centred on generating knowledge through research and
innovation, it encompasses policy, facilities, people and services, enabling the technology to
flourish within a contemporary political, economic, societal and security context.
Find out more: https://www.marineautonomy.org.uk/