UK Minister for Portsmouth Matthew Hancock opened a new £4 million centre for research into unmanned autonomous boats, submarines and other vessels on November 17.
This market is estimated to be worth £9 billion each year over the next 8 years.
The Centre for Maritime Intelligence Systems (CMIS) was announced by the Prime Minister in July 2013 and is already up and running. It brings together academics, scientists, engineers and naval specialists at Portsdown Technology Park and has received support worth £4 million from government, industry and the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Tapping into the unique expertise in Portsmouth, the centre is a testbed for new systems and technology that can be sold to defence and civilian customers around the world.
Minister for Portsmouth Matthew Hancock said:
This centre puts Portsmouth at the forefront of a growing £9 billion a year market. Whether it’s for environmental monitoring, gas exploration or clearing underwater mines, there is massive potential for unmanned vessels.
Technology developed here can play a big role in Portsmouth’s future.
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Press release, Image: BAE Systems