Wave-propelled PML Pioneer becomes the first autonomous vessel designated under the new King’s Harbour Master policy

PML Applications and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) have welcomed a significant policy development, announced by the King’s Harbour Master (KHM) Plymouth, marking a UK-first in the designation of operating and trials areas specifically for Unmanned Marine Systems (UMS). The policy introduces a comprehensive framework that substantially expands access to water space for autonomous marine operations.

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.”

Detailed in Plymouth Local Notice to Mariners 063/25, the new framework builds on Plymouth’s designation as the UK’s national centre for marine autonomy and a National Defence Growth Area under the UK Defence Industrial Strategy. It establishes a network of multiple new operating areas within the Dockyard Port of Plymouth (DPoP), providing structured, reliable access for a fast-growing marine autonomy sector at the forefront of maritime innovation.

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. The introduction of clearly defined areas, operational guidelines, and a formal registration process ensures Smart Sound, led by PML, can continue supporting scientific research, product development, and environmental monitoring via maritime autonomous technology.

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

“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.”

Plymouth’s strengthened position as a hub for marine autonomy is further supported by this policy, with all UMS operators now required to register their activities within the port limits under the new framework.

Among the first to benefit is PML’s wave-powered autonomous surface vessel, the PML Pioneer, an ‘Autonaut’ autonomous vessel boat, which holds the distinction of being the first vessel registered under the scheme. Access to the newly designated testing areas enables PML Applications and PML to continue advancing their cutting-edge research and technology development programmes via Smart Sound.

The PML Pioneer operates as part of Smart Sound Plymouth, which is home to a fleet of autonomous surface and sub-surface vessels alongside advanced data buoys. It also underpins the long-running Western Channel Observatory, a flagship time series in the Western English Channel, which is harnessing advanced coastal autonomy to collect scientific data.

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.”

The new King’s Harbour Master’s UMS policy applies to all unmanned marine activity conducted within the port limits of the Dockyard Port of Plymouth, including military, commercial, and leisure. It covers surface and sub-surface systems.

Full details of the designated operating areas and registration requirements can be found on the King’s Harbour Master Plymouth website here – www.royalnavy.mod.uk/khm/plymouth/safety-and-regulations/safety-policies-and-codes

To discuss conducting trials using Smart Sound Plymouth’s infrastructure and expertise, please email smartsound@pml.ac.uk