Unmanned marine technology companies in Plymouth are pushing for updated regulations, citing restrictions that are holding back their innovative work. The city is home to the National Centre for Marine Autonomy and a thriving hub of businesses at Turnchapel Wharf, developing vessels that operate without a crew. These companies are backed by local MP Rebecca Smith, who has raised the issue in parliament with the Secretary of State for Defence. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which regulates the industry, says there are clear, flexible approval routes in place and that they are supporting businesses. However, companies like ZeroUSV, which operates a fleet of autonomous vessels from its base in Plymouth, argue that their technology is not able to prove its worth due to the current regulations. Bertie Ratsey, business development manager at ZeroUSV, says that an unmanned vessel his firm has created has been certified for use in Canada, but can only operate under strict restrictions in the UK. He warns that if the current regulations continue, the UK may not be in the same place in five years. The Strategic Defence Review in 2025 recognized Plymouth's leading role in marine autonomy. Oshen, another company based at Turnchapel Wharf, is working with the Ministry of Defence on using its robots for anti-submarine warfare. The company develops small autonomous vessels that can be controlled remotely around the world to gather data. Anahita Laverack, the company's CEO, says the MCA needs to update its policies to meet the demands of emerging technology. She argues that the current regulations are too broad, and that a clearer definition of what constitutes a vessel is needed, especially for smaller-scale operations. The Conservative MP for South West Devon, Rebecca Smith, has twice raised the issue in parliament, asking the Secretary of State for Defence to commit to putting further pressure on government legal services to update legislation. The MCA has responded by saying they have implemented clear, flexible approval routes for autonomous vessels and continue to work with partners to expand trials and provide support for innovators. However, the companies in Plymouth remain concerned that the current regulations are holding back their progress and limiting their ability to innovate and grow.
