PML Welcomes UK-First Policy Expanding Water Space for Unmanned Marine Systems

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) has welcomed the announcement by the King’s Harbour Master (KHM) Plymouth establishing the UK’s first comprehensive framework of designated operating and trials areas specifically for Unmanned Marine Systems (UMS), significantly expanding the water space available for autonomous vessel operations.

The new policy, detailed in Plymouth Local Notice to Mariners 063/25, follows the designation of Plymouth as the UK national centre for marine autonomy and National Defence Growth Area under the UK Defence Industrial Strategy. It establishes multiple new operating areas specifically for UMS activities within the Dockyard Port of Plymouth (DPoP), providing structured access to water space for the growing marine autonomy sector.

This represents a unique advancement in UK maritime management, with few other comparable designated UMS operating areas established by other UK port or harbour authorities.

KHMs policy and expanded permittable water space, combined with clear operational rules and a formal registration process, affirms Plymouth’s position at the forefront of marine autonomy in the UK. All UMS operating within the DPoP will be required to register under the new framework.

PML’s Pioneer vessel, an ‘Autonaut’ autonomous surface boat, has the distinction of being the first vessel registered, enabling access to the newly-defined operating areas and in turn supporting PML’s ongoing marine research and technology development programmes. This includes PML’s Smart Sound Plymouth platform which is being developed as the UK’s premier proving area for innovative marine technology development and the designing, testing and developing of cutting-edge products and services for the marine sector.

The PML Pioneer is part of an integrated fleet of autonomous surface and sub-surface vessels and advanced data buoys which comprise Smart Sound and support the Western Channel Observatory (the time series in the Western English Channel) which is deploying advanced coastal autonomy for scientific research.

Professor James Fishwick, Smart Sound Plymouth’s Head of Innovation said:

“This forward-thinking policy expands operational water space whilst maintaining safe navigation, enabling more organisations to conduct autonomous vessel and marine tech trials in Plymouth. This will support the wider marine technology community working through Smart Sound Plymouth, accelerating research and innovation in areas such as defence and the offshore sector. Combined with our recent designation as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy, this firmly establishes Plymouth as the premier destination for autonomous and advanced marine technology development in the country.”

Andrew Jones, Deputy King’s Harbour Master said:

“This policy extends the work the KHM team have been working with for many years. KHM’s close ties with the UMS commercial sector here in Plymouth puts the Dockyard Port of Plymouth at the forefront of advanced marine technology. KHM will continue to support this work wherever possible.”

Sam Fawcett, Smart Sound Plymouth’s Head of Commercial added:

“Previously, finding suitable water space for autonomous vessel operations required complex, case-by-case coordination. These new designated areas provide clarity, predictability, and crucially, more space for multiple users to operate simultaneously. “

The King’s Harbour Master’s UMS policy applies to all Unmanned Marine System activity – military, commercial and leisure, surface and subsea – conducted within the port limits of the Dockyard Port of Plymouth. Details of the new operating areas and registration requirements can be accessed on the KHM Plymouth website via https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/khm/plymouth/safety-and-regulations/safety-policies-and-codes.

For further information on conducting trials using the Smart Sound Plymouth infrastructure and expertise contact: smartsoundNOSPAM@pml.ac.uk