Our mission

The NCMA connects expertise across the UK for the benefit of all. Anchored in Plymouth, it harnesses the South West’s unique geography, oceanography and capabilities; capitalising on its regional ecosystem to accelerate the development, testing, assurance, and adoption of maritime autonomous systems.

Centred on generating knowledge through research and innovation, it encompasses policy, facilities, people and services, enabling the technology to flourish within a contemporary political, economic, societal and security context.

The NCMA works at home and abroad to:

• provide coordination, leadership and strategic guidance aligned to national priorities, and in support of international engagement;

• enable collaborative research, innovation, development and deployment of cutting-edge, dual-use technologies that enhance national security and resilience, ocean exploration, environmental monitoring, and marine operations;

• support coordinated national access to, facilities, evidence generation, recognised standards, and regulatory support; removing barriers to enable industry, government and academia to deliver operational, economic and societal impact;

• foster opportunities for education and skills development, generating the workforce needed to deliver the UK’s vision for marine autonomy;

• engage in advocacy and support of businesses and the wider ecosystem, delivering facilitation and outreach across the UK and internationally.