SeaBot Maritime is strengthening its role in the UK’s autonomous maritime sector through a new partnership with the University of Plymouth. The collaboration aims to align industry needs with academic expertise and expand access to specialist training. Courses in Plymouth will begin in 2026, connecting two major centres of maritime innovation.
SeaBot Maritime has taken a significant step in its national expansion by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Plymouth. The partnership will extend the company’s maritime autonomy training programmes into South West England and deepen its links with one of the country’s leading centres for marine technology.
The company has already established itself across the Solent region through work with the National Oceanography Centre, the University of Southampton, the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines. Its Remote USV Operator courses are recognised by Flag States and have contributed to the growing pool of UK professionals trained to work with uncrewed and intelligent systems.
The agreement with the University of Plymouth focuses on three priorities. These include developing and delivering new training programmes, advancing research in autonomous maritime systems and preparing students and professionals for careers built around emerging technologies. The arrangement combines SeaBot Maritime’s experience in skills development with the University’s research strengths, which have supported Plymouth’s recognition as the UK Government’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy.
As part of the partnership, the two organisations will co design courses, develop new modules and explore future programmes under joint branding. University staff will be trained to deliver SeaBot Maritime’s existing courses. Both sides will also pursue joint funding for training positions and research projects, with discussions already under way on standards for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and how to integrate the company’s MASS Remote Operator Certification into the University’s teaching.
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 Southwest 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.”
Professor Chris Fogwill, Executive Dean for Science and Engineering at the University of Plymouth, said: “We are delighted to formalize 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.”
Both organisations see the agreement as a platform for wider collaboration. With training due to begin in Plymouth in 2026, SeaBot Maritime aims to build a stronger national network of autonomy professionals, while the University is preparing to expand its role in shaping the UK’s future maritime workforce.
