Marine AI, backed by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), has launched a world-first project enabling uncrewed vessels to communicate naturally with other ships. Trials are now underway in Plymouth and Portsmouth, testing a large language model designed for ship-to-ship dialogue.
The project aims to tackle a key challenge in maritime autonomy: safe and trusted communication between crewed and uncrewed vessels in real-world conditions. Currently, autonomous vessels rely on structured protocols or human oversight, limiting their responsiveness in complex situations. Marine AI’s system allows uncrewed vessels to hold natural language exchanges, just like a human operator.
Testing involves Marine AI’s Oceanus12 alongside Royal Navy vessels, including Patrick Blackett and XV Excalibur. Responses will be evaluated by master mariners to ensure the system is context-aware and reliable.
Oliver Thompson, Technical Director at Marine AI, said: “Uncrewed platforms can only operate safely alongside conventional vessels if they can be understood. This project proves that autonomous systems can communicate clearly with mariners in real conditions.”
If successful, the trials will mark the first demonstration of natural language interoperability between autonomous and conventional ships. The milestone could pave the way for safer mixed-traffic operations and strengthen the UK’s leadership in maritime autonomy.
