SeaBot Maritime and the University of Plymouth sign landmark MoU to advance collaboration in marine autonomy training and research

Portsmouth, Southampton and Plymouth, UK - [November, 2025] - SeaBot Maritime is expanding its maritime autonomy training programmes into South West England through a new partnership with the University of Plymouth. As an international leader in Flag State-recognised Remote USV Operator training, SeaBot Maritime has successfully trained maritime autonomy professionals across the Solent region in collaboration with the National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Marines. This expansion marks the next phase of growth for SeaBot Maritime and strengthens the network of autonomous maritime professionals across the UK.

SeaBot Maritime and the University of Plymouth have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the start of a strategic partnership to advance innovation, research, and skills development in marine autonomy.

The partnership focuses on three key pillars: developing and delivering innovative training programmes, advancing research in autonomous maritime systems, and preparing the future workforce to lead in the use of intelligent maritime technologies.

It combines SeaBot Maritime’s industry-leading expertise in maritime skills development with the University of Plymouth’s world-class research and educational capabilities, which have helped its home city achieve UK Government recognition as the National Centre for Marine Autonomy.

Under the MoU, SeaBot Maritime and the University of Plymouth will deliver and develop both existing and new courses using the University’s facilities, while creating additional learning modules and co-designing new jointly branded programmes. University staff will be trained to deliver SeaBot Maritime courses, and both organisations will explore joint funding opportunities to support training posts and collaborative projects.

The organisations will also collaborate on developing standards for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and integrate the SeaBot Maritime’s MASS Remote Operator Certification into the University’s course portfolio. Looking ahead, there is potential to develop a dedicated future skills training centre for marine autonomy, aimed at supporting the growing demand for specialist expertise in this rapidly evolving sector.

The MoU also sets the stage for collaborative research and funding initiatives at both national and international levels. The joint effort aims to advance academic and industry knowledge, inform the global maritime community, and open new avenues for commercial collaboration in the UK and abroad.

Both organisations are committed to pursuing additional initiatives that foster innovation, skills development, and excellence in training and research.

Commenting on the partnership, Gordon Meadow, CEO of SeaBot Maritime, said:

“Signing this MOU with the University of Plymouth marks a pivotal moment for the future of maritime autonomy in the UK. Having already built a strong foundation across the Solent region, this expansion to the South West enables us to connect two of the UK’s most dynamic maritime innovation hubs. By opening access to our Remote USV Operator Training from Plymouth in 2026, we are creating a direct pathway for the next generation of operators, engineers and technologists to build the skills our sector urgently needs. This partnership is about more than training; it is about empowering a workforce that will lead the UK’s transition into safe, intelligent and uncrewed maritime operations."

Chris Fogwill, Executive Dean for Science and Engineering at the University of Plymouth added: 

“We are delighted to formalise this partnership with SeaBot Maritime that both reflects and further strengthens Plymouth’s status as the UK Government’s designated National Centre for Marine Autonomy, with our University as the higher educational institution at the heart of it. Our work will drive innovation in autonomous and remote vessel operations while ensuring students and professionals gain cutting-edge skills that meet industry needs.

The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and future skills excellence, reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in autonomous and AI-enabled maritime technologies.

Building on the success of its Solent-based programmes, SeaBot Maritime will roll out its proven training model in the South West, with courses commencing in 2026, strengthening links between the UK’s leading maritime innovation regions.