A city's marine autonomy sector is growing so fast it is running out of waterfront space, companies say.
Six months after Plymouth was named the UK's National Centre for Marine Autonomy, businesses are flocking to the area and pushing the limits of its original hub at Turnchapel Wharf.
This article was written by Scott Bingham BBC Devon, published on 28th November 2025 on BBC News. Read the original article here.
James Fisher Defence has revealed plans to expand operations and is considering opening a manufacturing facility in Plymouth.
The company showcased its tactical diving vehicle at a Land, Sea and Air conference, with local MP and former Royal Marine, Fred Thomas, on board the craft which can hit 30 knots (34mph) on the surface and dive for covert missions.
Expanding operations in Plymouth
Thomas said: "It's absolutely awesome. One of so many amazing companies who have got the most world-leading technologies coming to Plymouth."
Matt Harmon, head of product development at James Fisher Defence, said the city was the obvious choice for growth.
"We're looking at Plymouth as not only a potential manufacturing site but also as this huge incubation piece for maritime technology," he said.
"So the autonomous centre that we've got here and just rubbing shoulders with all these companies that we have here has been awesome."
Photo: James Fisher Defence on trials in Plymouth
Creating new jobs
The announcement comes just days after German defence tech firm Helsing opened a factory on the city's outskirts, creating 50 jobs producing unmanned submarine gliders.
Helsing has also launched a test facility at Turnchapel Wharf.
The company, which has opened the factory as part of a £350m investment in the UK, said their unmanned submarine gliders can listen out for any activity in the water designed for defence, gathering intelligence and mapping undersea cables
Defence Secretary John Healey said the site was a "vote of confidence" for the UK and Plymouth.
Photo: Helsing new factory in Plymouth
Plans to meet the demand for space
Turnchapel Wharf Director Ryan Bonney said they were working on a plan to cope with the surge.
"We do have a project in the pipeline for more space, more units for autonomous companies to come to Plymouth", he said.
The sector has been helped by Plymouth's share of the government's £250m Defence Growth Deal, plus, at the side of the city, a £4.4bn investment into Devonport over the next decade.
Photo: Turnchapel Wharf, Plymouth
