The Programme
Ocean Futures has an exciting programme of investment in the core team and mission critical projects co-designed by industry, research and public sector partners:
• Smart Sound Plymouth
Supported by a digital twin and a 5G Maritime test bed, to enhance our understanding of the ocean, and leading the transition to a future of integrated autonomous operation, resilient smart ports and short sea shipping.
• Smart Port Laboratory
Combining leading marine autonomy, cyber security and connected ocean strengths to enable developments that will
embrace the efficiencies of short sea shipping and future smart ports without compromising security
• Clean Maritime Gateway
Extending the regional offer through the provision of a dedicated Clean Marine Propulsion Facility within the Centre for Future Clean Mobility, and associated network of shoreside charging throughout the City to drive adoption of alternative propulsion solutions
All supported by the following enabling activities:
• A SW maritime innovation service
Focusing the South West’s world class research and innovation capability to drive collaboration, innovation and productivity in the region’s SMEs and micros
• Assured Autonomy programme
Working closely with the National Physical Laboratory and Lloyds Register to develop a centre for measurement standards, testing and certification underpinning the new assurance frameworks and regulations required for marine autonomy and remote operation
• Ocean Technology promotion
Working through Maritime UK SW to promote our combined place, business and research offer to drive international trade, investment and collaboration
• Maritime Skills Academy
An industry-led maritime related curriculum delivered thorough existing and possibly new suppliers to ensure solid SW pipeline of competence for tomorrow’s new high quality jobs
• Oceansgate: Marine and Defence Innovation Centre
A regional anchor innovation and collaboration space and start-up premises with waterfront access
• Clustering via Maritime UK SW
Providing international, national and regional coordination and partnerships across the ocean economy
• The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport
Providing a simplified commercial and regulatory environment, providing an Innovation Hotbed to accelerate the clean growth of our marine, defence, engineering and manufacturing sectors to provide the high quality jobs we need for the future.
Ocean Futures will work with government departments to co-design a programme of investment.
Funds will be secured over the next 3 to 5 years from a variety of public and private sector partners, matched by the consortium.
This will enable co-ordination across local, regional and national actors supporting the South West to become an internationally recognised centre for advanced blue and green ocean technology and R&D, providing long term, sustainable economic growth, jobs and investment.
The ambition is to become self-sustaining in the longer term.