Prototype vessel trials
Designated trial areas for prototype vessels using innovative technology.
Prototype vessel trials in Plymouth Harbour
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), working with the King’s Harbour Master (KHM) Plymouth, has established designated trial areas within Plymouth Harbour.
These areas, located within the Dockyard Port of Plymouth, support the testing of prototype vessels using innovative technology.
The use of these trial areas is a six-month pilot, during which owners and operators are invited to undertake trials on prototypes before requesting commercial certification and to enable the MCA to gather user experience and refine the approach.
What the trial areas are for
The trial areas provide a controlled environment for early-stage testing.
They support the safe development and demonstration of new or modified technologies, including maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), where existing regulations, codes or established good practice may not fully address all relevant considerations.
The framework applies to technologies that are new or used in a new way.
How the framework works
Trials are carried out under the MCA’s Proving at Sea – Innovative Prototype Vessel Trials framework.
This framework includes:
- operation within designated trial areas managed by KHM Plymouth
- compliance with applicable regulations
- a risk-based certification approach supported by a trials safety case
Each project is overseen by a designated MCA Innovation Surveyor.
Owners and operators may make iterative changes within an agreed scope, using an approved change management process.
Certification period
Certification under this framework is time-limited:
- issued for up to 3 months initially
- may be extended to a maximum of 6 months where further testing is required
Certification supports testing only.
Eligibility
A prototype vessel must:
- be a UK ship
- be less than 24 metres length overall
- use prototype innovative technology
- not operate in ground effect, on an air cushion or beneath the surface
- carry no more than 12 persons
- not use specified fuels (including hydrogen, ammonia, methanol or LNG)
- not carry dangerous goods
Apply to undertake trials
Before applying, you must engage with the MCA’s UK Maritime Innovation Hub which can assist you to prepare an application.
Applications must include:
- trial objectives and concept of operations
- vessel and system details
- a regulatory gap analysis
- a trials safety case demonstrating how risks are reduced to ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable)
Contact
Have a prototype vessel, emerging technology or proposal for sea trials in Plymouth Harbour?
We welcome enquiries from innovators, developers, researchers and industry partners looking to test new maritime technologies.
Contact the UK Maritime Innovation Hub by completing the online form.
For further information email innovation@mcga.gov.uk.
For more information visit the UK Maritime Innovation Hub.