PML Releases CGI Impression of World-First Long-Range Autonomous Research Vessel

Be the first to see the new video featuring a computer-generated imagery (CGI) impression of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory’s (PML) eagerly anticipated research vessel, Oceanus.

Oceanus—which will span a remarkable 24 meters—is designed to be a fully-uncrewed, self-righting, autonomous vessel; capable of carrying an array of monitoring sensors to collect data for research into critical areas such as climate change, biodiversity, fisheries and biogeochemistry.

The vessel is set to usher in a new era for net zero oceanography and advanced international marine research. It will be able to reach remote areas of the ocean that are difficult or impossible to sample through traditional research vessels, whether due to remote locations or due to extreme weather conditions.

PML would like to thank MSubs for commissioning this video. M Subs Ltd is a company that specializes in the design, manufacture and operation of manned and unmanned vehicles for military and commercial markets, and are designing Oceanus. (Video credit: PML)

Did you know? Humans have only explored 5% of the global ocean

PML Chief Executive Professor Icarus Allen, said: “A statistic I find quite shocking is that, to date, humans have explored less than 5% of the world’s oceans. And yet, the ocean does so much for us. It’s absorbed at least 25% of carbon emissions that we have emitted. It also absorbs over 90% of the excess heat resulting from greenhouse gases... and, most importantly we humans, get between 50% and 80% of the oxygen we breathe from the ocean.

“It is vital now, more than ever, to improve our understanding of the ocean and the changes taking place within it—the ocean is facing huge challenges and it’s vital we have as much evidence as possible to support decisions on how to protect and manage it sustainably.”

Related information

PML has partnered with MSubs and ProMare to build Oceanus—both organizations have extensive experience in marine autonomous technology and developed and built the Mayflower 400 Autonomous Ship. They have also partnered with Marine AI Ltd, a software engineering firm specializing in edge-based sensor-driven cognitive artificial intelligence to deliver safety-critical marine autonomy, who will support with the autonomous control system.