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.

We sent Issy, an electrical apprentice with IntoHeat, a few questions about her journey, from college to her first job, and why she’s proud to be part of Plymouth’s future. Here’s what she had to say.

From tracking marine mammals with thermal cameras to coordinating fleets of autonomous vessels, researchers at the University of Plymouth are tackling some of the most complex challenges facing the maritime sector. In a recent Plymouth and South Devon Freeport Lunch & Learn webinar, Dr Dena Bazazian and Dr Pablo Borja Rosales shared the cutting-edge work happening on our doorstep, and what it could mean for the future of the blue economy.

As part of our spotlight on partners within the Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, we spoke to Michael Hayes, Transformation and Programmes Director (Defence, UK & Europe), about Serco Defence’s role in the region, collaboration in practice, and what success looks like for the South West.

Marking an exciting start to 2026, the Freeport development at Beaumont Way on the Langage tax site is now complete, delivered in just 12 months and already making its mark on the city’s business and skills landscape. Four high-quality employment units are ready to fuel the next wave of growth, opening doors for businesses and local talent alike.

Final preparations are being made at Beaumont Way, Langage South, where four new high-quality employment units have just completed build within only 12 months. 

Inside Devon Chamber of Commerce’s regional Strategy for 2026 and Beyond  At the final Lunch & Learn...

Andre Burgess, from NPL spoke with us about how assurance, collaboration and Plymouth’s ecosystem will shape the next era of autonomous maritime...

The Team Plymouth partnership is rightly ambitious about harnessing the city and region’s capabilities. As a partner, PASD Freeport is focused on...

The UK’s offshore wind sector is entering a defining decade one where innovation, collaboration, and resilience will determine how successfully we...

When Carla Grigoroiu left her hometown of Vulcan in the Romanian mountains to move to the UK, she could never have imagined that one day she would...

There’s a growing momentum in Plymouth and Friday’s launch of Team Plymouth at Market Hall made one thing clear: this city is ready to lead. Backed...