UK first for Turnchapel pioneer of autonomous unmanned sea vessels, ACUA-Ocean

There’s been a major breakthrough for a pioneering Plymouth business that is leading the field in autonomous ocean-going vessels.

Acua-Ocean’s hydrogen-powered “Pioneer” craft has become the first remotely operated and unmanned vessel to be certified by the influential Lloyds Register under the “code 3” workboat certification - marking a major step for clean, autonomous shipping.

The certification represents a significant development in the evolution of uncrewed and autonomous vessels in UK waters.

ACUA-Ocean is based at Turnchapel Wharf and was founded by brothers Neil and Mike Tinmouth. The award winning ACUA-Ocean team brings together more than a century of combined experience in the maritime sector. 

Mike has been an innovation mentor to the UK Ministry of Defence since 2019.

The scope of ACUA’s autonomous work is said to include surveying, delivery of payloads to windfarms, surface intelligence surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, border control and monitoring critical national infrastructure.

The Pioneer craft can often be seen undergoing testing in Plymouth Sound, and will soon carry out further sea trials under hydrogen power, before developing hybrid and electric variants.