Exactly one year from today, an unmanned ship will set sail from Plymouth and attempt to complete a pioneering crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) will begin its journey on 6 September 2020, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers’ voyage to the new world.
Like its namesake in 1620, MAS will rely to some extent on favourable weather to complete its crossing as it will be powered by state-of-the-art renewable energy technology.
It will also carry a research pod, featuring sensors and other equipment which scientists hope will pave the way for ground-breaking research into ocean conditions, marine pollution and conservation, and autonomous navigation
The project was first conceived in 2014, since when the partners – all with roots in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City – have been refining designs to ensure it can survive whatever conditions the Atlantic Ocean has to offer.
Those refinements also include ensuring it can be used beyond this voyage and become a prototype for autonomous marine research and exploration in the future.
MAS is being coordinated through a partnership headed by ProMare, a non-profit corporation and public charity established to promote marine research and exploration throughout the world. The research pod will be coordinated by the University of Plymouth, a world-leading centre of excellence for marine and maritime education, research and innovation. Meanwhile MSubs, which has over 20 years' experience in mechanical engineering, composites, electrical, electronic and software design, will construct the vessel.
