Maritime UK South West is home to a world leading cluster for the development, testing and manufacture of marine autonomy and geospatial data. In recognition of the investment opportunity that the cluster presents the UK Department for International Trade has recognised the South West as “High Potential Opportunity” area for investment.

For printable details of Maritime UK South West’s Marine Autonomy and Geospatial Data research institutions, testing facilities and examples of South West businesses succeeding in this field, please download our Applied Autonomy & Geospatial Data fact sheet.

If you would like to find out more about collaborating with the cluster, investing or contacting any one of the organisations listed please write to enquiries@maritimeuksw.org.

National Oceanography Centre

WHY IS MARITIME UK SOUTH WEST THE LEADING MARINE AUTONOMY AND GEOSPATIAL DATA CLUSTER?

  • The majority of UK marine autonomy platform providers in based the South West
  • Unique range of testing and development facilities with public sector support favouring investment and expansion.
  • High concentration of supply chain companies for sensors, navigation, data and communication technologies.
  • Existing business clustering and R&D support enables collaboration and joint promotions.
  • Industry predicts a global market of $136 billion over the next 15 years with the UK adopting a 10 per cent UK market share.

SOUTH WEST MARINE AUTONOMY AND GEOSPATIAL DATA LEADERSHIP GROUP.

Maritime UK South West partners established the South West Marine Autonomy and Geospatial Data Leadership Group. The Group enables strategic guidance, promotion and lobbying to drive investment and growth into the sector. The Group reports to the Maritime UK South West Board and is Chaired by Dr James Fishwick, Head of Smart Sound Plymouth and Head of Operations and Technology, Western Channel Observatory at Plymouth Marine Laboratories. Group Members include

University of Plymouth ROV
Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS)

GROWTH POTENTIAL FOR MARINE AUTONOMY AND GEOSPATIAL DATA

Marine autonomy will become a global market of $136 billion over the next 15 years with a 10 per cent UK market share predicted (Foresight Future of the Sea 2018). Marine autonomy and enhanced exploitation of geospatial data will enable smart clean shipping and revolutionise defence and the responsible commercial exploitation of the sea for aquaculture, oil and gas, deep sea mining and marine renewables. As well as autonomous systems, the growth will also rely on strengthened satellite communications to manage big data from sea to shore and between vessels at sea, as well as advanced mapping of the seabed.

KEY BUSINESSES

FAST Cluster – business led group working to develop the autonomy and related testing and development ecosystem.

Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS)
University of Plymouth ROV

RESEARCH AND SKILLS

TESTING AND DEVELOPMENT

University of Plymouth ROV
University of Plymouth ROV

INVESTMENT SITES