About the NCCA
The UK’s first fully integrated net zero autonomous observing and monitoring network, delivering cutting edge science to advance our understanding of the dynamic coastal seas.
National Centre for Coastal Autonomy
The NCCA intends to leverage the comprehensive range of top-tier academic research capabilities. These capabilities span various domains including Smart Autonomy, integration of system of systems, establishment of remote operations centres, enhancement of maritime cyber security, ensured autonomy, utilisation of artificial intelligence and machine learning for sophisticated data processing, and the development of advanced navigation. Moreover, the NCCA will serve as the foundational research support for the 5G Coastal Highway. This highway is recognised as a key initiative within the Digital Oceans theme.
Mission
The NCCA will deliver world-leading capability in scientific coastal autonomy combining state-of-the-art surface autonomous vessels, sub-surface coastal platforms and sophisticated scientific buoys integrated on a unique high-speed marine communications network to deliver an autonomous coastal observing system capable of driving enhanced understanding of the marine environment. The NCCA partnership will deliver high resolution data and policy relevant science to enable good stewardship of the marine environment. The NCCA will also deliver a platform for training and developing the next generation of scientists and technologists, equipping them with the skills required to embrace the latest observing capabilities.
Assets and Facilities
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.
Who’s involved
Professor James Fishwick
Director
Professor Alex Nimmo-Smith
Director
Professor Matthew Palmer
Executive Board
Dr Saskia Ruhl
Executive Board
Professor Kerry Howell
Executive Board
Dr Tim Scott
Executive Board
Professor Michael Cunliffe
Executive Board
Dr Lilian Lieber
Executive Board
The NCCA is an initiative of Marine Research Plymouth – between the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Marine Biological Association and the University of Plymouth.
Latest News
New underwater communications network enhances Smart Sound Plymouth’s capabilities
A £1.2 million project led by the University of Plymouth is set to upgrade the offshore infrastructure of Smart Sound
Future regulation of marine autonomy in discussion in Singapore
Professor James Fishwick from the NCCA took part in a UK Marine Autonomy summit during Singapore Maritime Week. The rapid
Precious cargo… delivering autonomous buoys to the sea
There was a lot of activity at the laboratory recently as we moved two autonomous buoys to Turnchapel Wharf in
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.