Across Dorset, businesses are leading in clean propulsion, security and design, manufacture and repair of yachts and boat building.
World-class names such as Sunseeker International and the RNLI, and significant operations of companies like Aish Technologies, Wärtsilä, and Norco GRP. Maritime is a growth sector, complementing the highly attractive region, and is one of the UK’s top areas for high growth digital businesses and second fastest growing area for start-ups in the UK.

Download our Investment Guide to Dorset's Marine Services
High Potential Opportunity in Marine Autonomy
Dorset and The South West of England presents a key opportunity to benefit from the unique capabilities of the UK’s largest maritime cluster and provide solutions across growing industries.
The award of the High Potential Opportunity in Marine Autonomy highlights the emerging opportunity for Dorset based businesses to design, test, validate and manufacture marine autonomous systems in the UK’s largest maritime cluster; meeting growing demand across unique early adopter sectors including Offshore Renewable Energy, Defence, Aquaculture and Shipping.
The South West of England has unique natural assets, a sustainable environment and the local infrastructure to support Marine Autonomy. Dorset has already been awarded a High Potential Opportunity in Aquaculture by the Department for International Trade.