Smart Sound Plymouth

Smart Sound Plymouth is the UK’s leading testing facility for marine autonomy, uncrewed systems, and advanced ocean technologies, with access to authorised water space. Operated by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), it is a catalyst for maritime solutions and innovation backed by decades of expertise across defence, offshore industries, and marine science.

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50+

Years of Marine Science Excellence

100+

Years of Research Data

75m

Offshore Water Depth

30+

Projects Completed

Pioneering Marine Autonomy

World-class facilities, expert guidance, and proven results

UK's Premier Testing Facility

Based in Plymouth - the UK’s designated national centre for marine autonomy - and operated by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), Smart Sound Plymouth combines over 50 years of marine research and innovation with commercial expertise to take marine technologies from concept through to market. Supporting sectors including defence, offshore energy, marine and environmental science, AI, robotics, and the broader maritime and blue economy, Smart Sound Plymouth offers access to a unique proving ground of authorised water space for trials.

The area’s range of water depths, sea states and weather conditions is perfectly suited to testing surface and sub-surface vessels, platforms, and sensors and the ideal environment for multiplatform mission operations.

More about Smart Sound Plymouth

A visual overview of Smart Sound’s connected technologies - autonomous surface vessels, underwater sensors, and digital communication systems.

Expert Leadership & Commercial Excellence

Led by Professor James Fishwick (Smart Sound Plymouth Head of Innovation) and Sam Fawcett (Smart Sound Plymouth Head of Commercial), Smart Sound Plymouth delivers world-class onshore facilities, future-proofed offshore equipment, and in-depth marine expertise - all as part of a commercially dedicated service.

Smart Sound Plymouth and its partnership organisations (including our primary delivery partner, University of Plymouth) boast considerable expertise in autonomous systems, environmental sensor technologies, alternative propulsion, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.

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World-Renowned Capabilities

Marine Science Excellence

Over 50 years of marine science excellence
Over 100 years of knowledge and ongoing research in the Western Channel Observatory
One of the most intensively sampled bodies of water globally
Unique UK net zero ocean observing capability

Autonomy & Innovation

UK's premier triple helix autonomy cluster: Future Autonomous at Sea Technologies (FAST)
System of Systems capability with interconnected sub-surface, surface & aerial autonomous platforms
Digital twins & simulations for autonomy assurance & regulation

Partnership Network

Largest marine scientists and technologist grouping in the UK
Access to leading industrial and academic partners
Collaborative innovation ecosystem

Security & Compliance

MoD Security Clearance available
Cyber Essentials Plus certified
Defence procurement ready (JOSCAR, Aurora, Helios)
Established contracting mechanisms with UK defence primes

Smart Sound Plymouth Delivers Solutions

Delivering tailored, informed and commercially-focussed technology solutions through collaborative innovation.

At Smart Sound Plymouth, we provide tailored and informed marine technology solutions through commercial partnerships and innovation-funded collaborations. Whether you’re working with Innovate UK funding, research grants or commercial budgets, we help with common problems faced by those wanting to conduct advanced marine technology trials, particularly in the defence, offshore renewable energy and science sectors.

Our combined expertise in these areas, plus security-cleared staff for defence work, allows us to quickly take a project from initial consultation to implementation without compromising on attention to detail and outstanding service. We work as partners with industry, research institutions and defence organisations to deliver world-class solutions .

Smart Sound Plymouth supports projects at varying levels, from early-stage innovation and research programmes to high TRL and commercially available technology trials and product development. We provide flexible packages for a range of service-users, including startups, academic institutions and established companies to accommodate different funding models and project scales.

For the common problems listed below, we have tried-and-tested solutions available. If you have a problem that is not included on this list, please contact us for an initial no-cost consultation so we can start troubleshooting and creating solutions, using our expertise and experience in this industry.

How We Solve Your Testing Challenges

Expert solutions for common marine autonomy trial obstacles

Need scientific validation and environmental data?

With Smart Sound, you get access to long-standing data in a variety of areas, including sound velocities, environmental data, meteorological data, and ocean physics including wave height. With an established, fully characterised and secure offshore environment for long-term deployment, we maintain data feeds and communication with systems.

Require security clearance and defence compliance?

Members of our staff already have MoD Security Clearance. PML Applications, in particular, have several members of staff with Security Clearance as well as a Cyber Essentials Plus certificate. PML Applications is already registered on JOSCAR, Aurora and Helios defence procurement portals, enabling engagement with all UK defence primes through established contracting mechanisms.

Need to deploy sensitive equipment safely offshore?

Our state-of-the-art research vessel, Plymouth Quest, is available for vessel charter to support your autonomous marine systems trials. We can flexibly schedule your trial around your needs and availability. With ROC/Workshop access and communications systems for command and control, you stay connected. Our Steatite network provides live data feeds and secure network access.

First time testing marine autonomous systems?

At Smart Sound's lead organisation, PML and PML Applications, we have expertise in many marine science and technology sectors. We've already researched and worked on projects utilising Smart Sound to explore how marine autonomy technologies can solve problems and meet requirements for companies. Our testimonials showcase the varied, skilled work we carry out, from TRL development through to certification as a commercially operational vessel.

Results need environmental context for significance?

Smart Sound is led by Plymouth Marine Laboratory, where we maintain a long-standing time series as part of the Western Channel Observatory—one of the most intensively sampled bodies of water globally, with over 100 years of continuous monitoring. This means your results come with unparalleled environmental context and a baseline for comparison against new technologies and data collection approaches.

Need to test across varied conditions and depths?

Plymouth's varied geography ensures there are plenty of options for sea states, weather conditions, and water depths of up to 75m. Smart Sound will help you choose the most suitable testing location and plan the best time for your trials in our accessible testing areas.

Struggling with UK maritime regulations and approvals?

With experience in marine licensing and a working relationship with the King's Harbour Master Plymouth team, we can access the trials area inside the port using our research vessel, Plymouth Quest. The trials area is expanding to include additional offshore sites.

Challenge not listed? Get in touch for a consultation — we'll create custom solutions using our deep industry expertise.

Facilities & Equipment

From laboratory to ocean — comprehensive testing infrastructure

Complete Testing Infrastructure

Our facilities are designed to accommodate trials from the laboratory through to the ocean. With the capability to test equipment onshore, offshore and in secure simulation environments, we can assist with troubleshooting problems, supporting modelling, and creating marine autonomy frameworks.

Our facilities include a remote operation centre, workshop facilities, and vessels. With marina access and access to Plymouth's approved testing waters, we are well-positioned to support a variety of trials, taking your project from initial small-scale testing to real-world trials.

L4 Buoy Testing Technology

We can facilitate trials to test a range of sensors and equipment, as well as provide datasets:

Underwater sensors
Meteorological sensors
Communications equipment
Subsurface trials
Underwater tracking software trials or comparisons

Advanced Communications

Our network allows you to achieve 5G connection underwater and on deck on Plymouth Quest. Our Steatite network includes the capability for live data feeds while maintaining secure network access.

Expert Vessel Operations

With decades of experience in deploying and recovering equipment in the marine environment, our expert crew facilitates vessel charter for a variety of sectors and purposes. With specific scientific equipment expertise, our team successfully deploys sensitive equipment and has mooring design knowledge.

Key Facilities

Remote Operation Centre (ROC)
Workshop facilities
Research vessel Plymouth Quest
Marina access
L4 buoy platform
Secure simulation environments
5G underwater connectivity

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Highlights

Discover our latest developments and key resources

£1.2m invested in new Plymouth underwater communications network

The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has announced that Smart Sound Plymouth is to benefit from a £1.2 million investment, to upgrade the offshore infrastructure.

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.

Facilities

Smart Sound Plymouth provides access to world-renowned, award-winning marine science and technology expertise, complemented by onshore labs and test facilities.

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Industry Partnerships

Access to collaborate with leading industrial and academic partners specialising in the delivery of innovative marine autonomous solutions.

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