Pioneering a sustainable, prosperous and digitally enabled ocean future
Ocean Futures
The Ocean Futures programme is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Government, Industry and Academia to work together to develop the South West regional economy, building on existing unique assets to create a world-class centre of excellence, whilst delivering the Maritime 2050 ambition to create a cleaner, digitally enabled sector.
The Ocean Futures programme will underpin the country’s maritime industry and therefore provide economic stability and prosperity in support of a globally engaged UK.
– Ben Murray, Director Maritime UK
Our vision
To create a global centre of excellence for the testing, development and manufacture of autonomy, digital and clean ocean technologies for the rapidly growing global ocean economy, as a key pillar of the country’s ambition to be a science and innovation superpower, with activity focussed on.
Autonomy
Leading the demonstration and integration of marine autonomous systems for applications in defence, offshore renewable energy, aquaculture and emerging ocean economy application, estimated to be a £103bn market by 2030
Digital Oceans
Transforming our understanding of the ocean environment and safeguarding future maritime operations with integrated digital marine communications
Maritime Net Zero
Leading the transition to safe and secure maritime operations that will embrace a variety of alternative energy sources bespoke to vessel type and operation
What we will deliver:
The marine sector innovation hotbed for the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport allowing for increased exports and foreign direct investment centred on new technological development
Global Centre of Excellence driving the shift to clean and safe maritime and an increasingly digitally enabled, autonomous maritime sector
Framework for business clustering and coordinated support for SMEs and micros to create new technology for established end-user needs leading to high-productivity growth
Highly visible anchor for high productivity regional employment–supporting Levelling Up by leveraging strengths to lead development of technological solutions for emerging opportunities
The Programme
Innovation
Skills
Partnering
Infrastructure
Impact
Latest News & Events
Cutting Edge Smart Sound Connect Control Centre Opens
Following on from the successful launch of Smart Sound Connect earlier this year, today marks the opening of a state-of-the-art control centre for the network to further enhance the support provided to industry as part of the Smart Sound testing and proving ground...
Smart Sound Connect recognised by industry for innovation
Smart Sound Connect, the world’s first ocean-focussed 5G testbed, has been recognised by the mobile sector as a cutting-edge innovation platform for the development of the next generation of marine technologies. At the 20th Mobile Industry Awards, held at Lancaster...
Marine sector to benefit from more support from Marine Business Technology Centre
New funding means the Marine Business Technology Centre (MBTC) in Plymouth will operate for another 12 months, providing valuable innovation support to businesses in the county. Based in Plymouth’s Oceansgate development, the MBTC has supported nearly 400 businesses...
Plymouth Marine Laboratory successfully deploys state-of-the-art scientific data buoy off Plymouth
Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is delighted to announce that this week (Monday 4th July 2022) its new Smart Sound buoy was successfully deployed to its mooring in the Western Channel Observatory area of the English Channel, where it is now anchored and has begun...
Plymouth and South Devon Freeport Outline Business Case approved by the Chancellor
Another significant milestone has been reached for the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport which has now received approval from the Government for its Outline Business Case, along with two of its proposed tax sites. A freeport in Plymouth and South Devon will create a...
Council leader announces plan to unleash city’s potential as a port
Ambitions to unleash Plymouth’s full potential as a major international port are to be set out in a new strategy announced by Council Leader Richard Bingley. The strategy will explore how Plymouth can maximise the combined potential of its four statutory ports, which...