As a leading ocean science and technology institute, the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) plays a central role in providing the trusted evidence and insight the world needs to adapt, thrive, and protect our shared future.
In our new strategy for the decade ahead, we have set out how we’ll continue to explore, inform, and inspire using world-class science and technology to make a real difference for people and planet. By gaining a deeper knowledge of the ocean, we help every living thing on our planet flourish.
Our purpose is to fully understand the ocean, turning research and technological innovation into trusted knowledge for real action and solutions.
Working with commercial organizations is a crucial part of achieving this understanding, helping to expand the reach and impact of ocean conservation. There are countless opportunities for collaboration, from sharing knowledge on safer deep-sea operations to the development of more efficient technologies that cut emissions.
Through our trading subsidiary, NOC Innovations, our expert team brings the latest advances in ocean science and technology to industry, bridging research excellence with commercial application.
FROM BOATY TO BUSINESS
Most people know the story of Boaty McBoatface, but fewer realize that these world-leading autonomous vehicles are available for purchase. Research institutions and commercial organizations alike can acquire our fully customizable Autosub Long Range (ALR) vehicles.
Designed for extended missions with a 2,000-km range and depth rating of 6,000 m, and capable of real-time feedback of mission data, ALR vehicles have completed more than 5,000 operational hours navigating some of the planet’s most challenging environments.
OPENING NEW HORIZONS
In 2026, we will open our British Ocean Sediment Core Research Facility (BOSCORF) to commercial clients for the first time. BOSCORF is an internationally recognized facility equipped with state-of-the-art systems for non-destructive core analysis. This includes XRF and X-ray imaging scanners, alongside multi-sensor core logging that reveals physical and chemical properties of sediment and rock cores.
By making this facility accessible to industry, we aim to support more informed and sustainable decisions for offshore infrastructure and coastal management— where scientific evidence underpins every action.
ACCELERATING OCEAN INNOVATION
The ocean innovation landscape is expanding rapidly, from autonomous systems to climate resilience technologies. Yet many promising ideas struggle to progress from research to real-world application. NOC bridges that gap, connecting science, innovation, and industry to drive tangible impact.
To this end, we launched Ocean Catalyst— the UK’s only business accelerator dedicated to ocean technology start-ups and scale-ups. Ocean Catalyst provides tailored mentorship, investor-readiness support, and access to funding. Participants are hosted at our Innovation Hub, gaining access to NOC’s commercial expertise, world-class scientists and engineers, cutting- edge facilities, and an extensive network of member companies.
NAVIGATING THE FUTURE
At NOC, we envisage a world where ocean knowledge powers solutions for a sustainable future. By combining scientific excellence with industry collaboration, we are turning understanding into action, driving innovation that safeguards our ocean and supports life on Earth.
The challenges ahead are vast, but together with our partners, we are building the evidence, technology, and momentum needed to meet them head-on.
This spotlight appeared in ON&T Magazine’s 2026 January Special Edition, The Future of Ocean Technology Vol. 6, to read more access the magazine here.
