National Centre for Coastal Autonomy
UK's first autonomous coastal observing and monitoring network
The NCCA is an initiative of Marine Research Plymouth – between the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Marine Biological Association and the University of Plymouth.
About the National Centre for Coastal Autonomy
The NCCA aims to lead in coastal autonomy with a fleet of advanced autonomous vessels, sub-surface platforms, and scientific buoys. These innovations, based in Plymouth, will create the UK’s first autonomous coastal observing system.
Assets
The NCCA possesses a state-of-the-art fleet, including surface autonomous vessels, sub-surface coastal platforms, and advanced scientific buoys. These assets are seamlessly integrated into a high-speed marine communications network, enabling groundbreaking advancements in coastal observation and autonomy.
Facilities
The NCCA also has cutting-edge facilities, prominently featuring a Smart Sound Laboratory renowned for its innovative research initiatives. Complementing this, two research vessels, each equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Latest News
Using marine autonomy to support sustainable expansion of offshore wind farms
With the rapid expansion of offshore wind energy to meet ambitious global Net Zero targets by 2050, what will be the impacts on marine ecosystems? NCCA partners are utilising the latest in marine autonomy – to enable sustainable offshore wind energy expansion.
The potential of artificial intelligence to map miles of seafloor image data
Partners of the National Centre for Coastal Autonomy (NCCA) are investigating the use of artificial intelligence as a means to interpret seafloor image data generated by autonomous platforms.
A bird’s-eye view: aerial drones and autonomous dynamic flow mapping for tidal energy research
NCCA researchers describe some of the benefits of aerial drones and autonomous systems for scientific research on the impacts of tidal energy.
HRH Princess Royal visits PML for launch of National Centre for Coastal Autonomy
The potential for autonomous technology to advance understanding of our constantly evolving ocean and coastlines has taken a major step forward with the launch of the National Centre for Coastal Autonomy.