ACUA Ocean unveil new Turnchapel Wharf HQ

UK-based uncrewed surface vessel developer ACUA Ocean has unveiled its new HQ at Turnchapel Wharf in Plymouth. After completing systems development in Lowestoft and hull build at Aluminium Marine Consultants (AMC) on the Isle of Wight, ACUA’s USV Pioneer will be based in Plymouth and commence harbour trials in October. Following the completion of harbour and sea trials, the Pioneer will conduct demonstrations in Q1 2025 as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Innovate UK.

Concurrent with Pioneer’s development, ACUA is working with a variety of payload and launch and recovery manufacturers, in keeping with its strategy to integrate high-complexity payloads for demonstration in the late summer of 2025.  

ACUA is also working with its host Turnchapel Wharf on its future fuels and technology strategy under grant funding from the South West Marine and Maritime Launchpad.

Previously a UK Ministry of Defence site, Turnchapel Wharf has undergone a major transformation into a modern, thriving space providing waterfront offices, workshops and warehouses for a wide range of marine and particularly maritime autonomy companies. It forms part of the largest maritime cluster in the UK, with almost 4,000 businesses supporting 25,000 jobs and adding £2.54bn GVA per year to the South Coast economy.

The adjacent Plymouth Smart Sound allows operators to trial and validate their technologies in 1000km2 of authorized and de-conflicted water space, with direct access to the English Channel and Western Approaches.

The new ACUA HQ will be led by John Hunnibell and Nigel Mashembo, both of whom have extensive experience in running marine astronomy test sites. They’re joined by a growing team of naval architects and engineers as the ACUA team expands, having created a dozen new jobs in Plymouth this year.

?? Source: ACUA Ocean