MEng students from the University of Southampton are working on a project to produce a transatlantic Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV). The ASV is designed as a research platform and central communication hub for other research vessels.

The students are working closely with the specialist designers, laminators and boat builders at Pascoe International to produce the hull and deck for their reliable and robust design. By designing a fit for purpose hull with a restricted budget, their project hopes to ‘accelerate the development of these vessels and increase the rate of research they can carry out’ (Conrad Manning, Team Fortitude).

This alliance demonstrates Pascoe International’s commitment to the development of young engineers. Pascoe truly appreciates the importance of maintaining the specialised skills required in the UK boat building sector and currently employs apprentices across four different trades.