Launch of ambitious marine sector growth plan for Cornwall

An ambitious Cornwall marine sector growth plan 2026-2031 has been launched today by Cornwall Marine Network and the University of Exeter.

“Cornwall’s Marine Future” is a blueprint for sustainable economic growth of the marine sector in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

It aligns with all key national, regional and local economic plans and leverages Cornish strengths in marine innovation, placing Cornwall at the forefront of global efforts to build a cleaner, more resilient industrial future.

Paul Wickes MBE, CEO, Cornwall Marine Network, said: “Cornwall’s Marine Future sets out a pathway for development of the Cornwall marine sector, already a showcase for world-class engineering, boatbuilding, advanced manufacturing and defence.

“The next five years will be critical as we seize the multiple opportunities created by the advances in AI and other smart technologies, including developing our ports and harbours and local supply chains to support the fast-growing industries of the future.”

Professor Martin Siegert, Vice-President & Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Exeter (Cornwall) added: “The marine sector in Cornwall is a hotbed of innovation. We are proud to work closely with marine businesses to realise their full potential, bringing innovation projects to commercialisation and accelerating further development.

“Cornwall’s Marine Future is a vital stepping stone to creating the conditions for transformational growth in the marine sector.”

Cornwall Marine Network and the University of Exeter have collaborated alongside industry and stakeholders to define the priority actions 2026-2031 that will be critical to success and will lay the foundations for future development over the next decade and beyond.

The priority actions are wide ranging, including marine infrastructure development, business support, skills support and strategic collaboration. These include pioneering developments which are expected to set new standards nationally and internationally.

Recognised by Maritime UK as a “Coastal Powerhouse”, Cornwall Marine Network (CMN) is Cornwall’s marine sector business support cluster organisation. CMN was commissioned by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum to work closely with businesses to develop this Growth Plan.

The University of Exeter has added its academic expertise and significant research and development experience in the sector as well as its in-depth understanding of marine innovation.

See the Cornwall Marine Sector Growth Plan 2026-2031 at https://cornwallmarine.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cornwalls-Marine-Future.pdf