The special event welcomed delegates within the autonomous marine sector and marked the opening of the UK’s first autonomous, fully integrated, net-zero coastal observing and monitoring network.
Founded by the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and the University of Plymouth, the new technology centre has been founded as part of a bid to improve the UK’s understanding of its oceans and coastlines, and progress its ability to deliver autonomous marine platforms, technology, and research safely and sustainably.
The new high-speed, award-winning marine communications network expands on the success of Smart Sound Plymouth and Western Channel Observatory, and will employ a fleet of state-of-the-art surface autonomous vessels, subsurface coastal platforms and scientific buoys to gather important data about our coastal environment.
The NCCA will also support the next generation of scientists with its new training platform in partnership with industry and the public sector and support the UK’s drive to net-zero and cutting-edge science.
Valeport’s Chairman, Charles Quartley; Managing Director, Matt Quartley; Senior Sales Manager, Darren Padley and Sales Manager, Neal Adamson, were delighted to attend the special day which offered a great opportunity to catch up with new and existing connections in the autonomous marine sector – with Matt and Charles also having the pleasure of meeting HRH The Princess Royal again (she visited Valeport back in 2020 as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations).
We look forward to watching the NCCA develop and supporting the important research it progresses to better understand our coastal environments throughout the years to come.