A project backed by IBM is planning to replicate the 1620 voyage of the Mayflower across the Atlantic with an unmanned research vessel.

The Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS), a world first in the research sector, will conduct oceanographic studies next year as part of the pilgrim ship's 400-year anniversary.

IBM has joined a global consortium of partners led by marine research organisation ProMare to build the vessel for the trip next September.