Illustration showing above and below water with various elements of smart sound technology - Including drone, surface vessels, underwater gliders with an underwater plexus showing modelling of the sea bed

Britain's platform for innovative marine technology development

Smart Sound Plymouth is the UK's premier proving area for designing, testing and developing cutting edge products and services for the marine sector. This multi-million pound development provides access to first class off- and onshore facilities plus award-winning marine science and technology expertise.

Map view of plymouth sound
Providing access to a unique combination of:
  • Largest marine scientists & technologist grouping in the UK
  • UK’s premier triple helix autonomy cluster: Future Autonomous at Sea Technologies(FAST)
  • Unique UK net zero ocean observing capability
  • Diverse testing environment and >1,000 sq. kilometres of authorised, de-conflicted water space
  • Private high speed marine communications network (with 5G & offshore mesh capability)
  • Interconnected remote operation centres
  • System of Systems capability with interconnected sub-surface, surface & aerial autonomous platforms
  • Digital twins & simulations to drive a UK Centre for Autonomy Assurance & Regulation
  • Hands-on learning & research for the marine + maritime workforce.

The area’s impressive variety of water depth, sea states and weather conditions is perfectly suited for conducting sea trials, including sub-surface trials with access to offshore water depths of 75m, providing the ideal environment for multiplatform mission operations.

Co-ordinated through the Marine Business Technology Centre, Smart Sound Plymouth is a partnership between five organizations boasting considerable expertise in autonomous systems, environmental sensor technologies, alternative propulsion, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.

Read more Download the Smart Sound brochure

News highlights

Plymouth Sound from above

£1.2m invested in new Plymouth underwater communications network

News  |  01 November 2022

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 infrastruc...

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James Fishwick showing off the 10-screen display for the Smart Sound Connect control room

Cutting-edge Smart Sound Connect Control Centre opens

News  |  13 October 2022

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 as part of the Smart Sound testing a...

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Yellow sea surface vehicle

Facilities

Smart Sound Plymouth provides access to world-renowned, award-winning marine science and technology expertise. Offshore testing is complemented by onshore facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and testing environments for small to large items of equipment.

Aerial view of plymouth sound with overlaid images of various industrial facilities

Industry

Access to collaborate with leading industrial and academic partners specialising in the delivery of innovative marine autonomous solutions, such as: surface and sub-surface autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, smart ports and cyber security.