Since he was elected in 2017, Luke Pollard has been campaigning for Plymouth to become the National Centre for Marine Autonomy. He expressed his delight following the recent announcement by Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry, confirming Plymouth’s official designation as the United Kingdom’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy. The announcement, made during a keynote address at a major industry event in Plymouth, marks a significant milestone for the city. Already recognised for its leadership in marine technology, this designation further elevates Plymouth’s profile, placing it at the forefront of innovation and investment in this rapidly evolving sector.
The announcement was delivered at a conference hosted by Plymouth City Council in partnership with the South West Regional Defence and Security Cluster. Held in Devonport, the event convened leading figures from the marine and defence industries to engage with local businesses and explore opportunities for future projects and investment.
Plymouth is a global hub for marine science and technology, home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of expertise in this field. Over 7,100 professionals are employed in marine manufacturing, and the blue tech sector accounts for 21% of national employment in marine autonomy and 11.3% of Plymouth’s total workforce.
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, addressed delegates by highlighting the evolving nature of national defence:
“The strategic defence review clearly outlines a future force structure that integrates marine autonomy. Defence is not only a matter of national security—it is also a powerful driver of economic growth.
This is a pivotal opportunity to develop, scale, and test cutting-edge autonomous technologies. The work being done in Plymouth is truly innovative, and the city is well-positioned to attract further investment and lead the way in this transformative sector.”