Unmanned ship to sail across the Atlantic in 2020

As a genuine world first and the largest civilian-based project of its kind, MARS has the potential to transform and influence the future of world shipping and inspire a new generation of ocean explorers and researchers. MARS will pave the way for the creation and development of new technologies in ocean exploration and navigation, technologies fit for the 21^st century and beyond, facilitating marine-based research in areas deemed dangerous, dirty or even dull.

While advances in technology have propelled land and air-based transport to new levels of intelligent autonomy, it has been a different story on the sea. The civilian maritime world has struggled to keep pace with technology due to a combination of cultural and cost factors. The autonomous drone technology that has been used so effectively in situations considered unsuitable for humans has not been harnessed by the shipping industry, which continues to steer the conservative course, its diesel engines pumping out carbon emissions and its manned crews at risk from piracy.

It begs the question, if we can put a rover on Mars and have it autonomously conduct research, why can’t we sail an unmanned vessel across the Atlantic Ocean and, ultimately, around the globe?

Using the combined expertise of Plymouth University and Plymouth-based partner MSubs, Plymouth will build a state-of-the-art ship that will demonstrate the possibilities for the future of shipping and ocean research through the use of automation.

On the 400^th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage and in the pioneering spirit embodied by the Pilgrim Fathers, Plymouth will launch a full-sized autonomous ship that will sail across the Atlantic, fuelled by renewable energy, wind, solar and current and leading-edge technology.

The contemporary vessel, designed by the multi award-winning Shuttleworth Design, will operate as a research platform, conducting numerous scientific experiments during the course of its voyage. And it will be a test bed for new navigation software and alternative forms of power, incorporating huge advancements in solar, wave and sail technology. As the eyes of the world follow its progress, it will provide a live educational resource to students, a chance to watch and maybe participate in history in the making.

This unique achievement will position the University and Plymouth as major contributors to marine research and shipping innovation on a global platform. It will help to create an industry shift, providing the maritime industry with an evidence base upon which to build, develop, and drive policy change.

This innovative vessel stands to make a major contribution to the local economy as it advances marine technology and offers commercial opportunities: where possible, it will be built and developed in Plymouth and the South West.

As a vessel that can be deployed in waters that would be considered too problematic for manned ships and human activity, MARS will arouse the interest of the global research community. It offers an opportunity to link with counterpart institutions in the US and open up networks for future collaboration, so creating potential mentoring and internship opportunities for Plymouth University students with sponsors and partners. In addition, schoolchildren in the UK and US will track the voyage and learn about the ocean as the ship beams back pictures and video throughout the journey.