City is 'National Centre for Marine Autonomy'

'HUGE HONOUR' FOR PLYMOUTH TO BE CONFIRMED IN ROLE

- By KIRSTIE MCCRUM

PLYMOUTH is to be the national centre for marine autonomy, the Defence Minister announced in a keynote address at a major networking event in the city last week. The local MP called it 'an opportunity to develop, scale up and test marine autonomy'.

The announcement, made by the Right Honourable Maria Eagle, Minister of State (Defence Procurement and Industry) last Friday, came as Plymouth City Council in partnership with the South West Regional Defence and Security Cluster hosted an event in Devonport involving key figures from the world of marine and defence connecting with local companies to explore opportunities for future projects and investment.

Council Leader Tudor Evans OBE said: "This is superb news. We knew Plymouth was creating something special in the blue/green skills sector, but it is always great to see others endorse what you believe.

"We have some extraordinary businesses and organisations here in Plymouth who are at the cutting edge of this incredibly exciting sector. The world is waking up to all the possibilities marine autonomy offers and we are very keen indeed to help connect Plymouth businesses to the right people and the right organisations.