Mersey Maritime launches ‘Innovating Maritime’ project
(Posted on 28/01/22)
Regional cluster organisation, Mersey Maritime, is launching a new service to its North West maritime ecosystem, which will help organisations maximise and capitalise on innovation funding opportunities within the UK’s maritime sector which is known to be worth almost £50bn.
In alignment with national and international targets, including the Maritime 2050 strategy launched back in 2019, the UK’s leading maritime cluster organisation, Mersey Maritime, is set to fully fund a pilot project called ‘Innovating Maritime’ led by Dr Matt Fulton from the University of Liverpool.
Following the COP26 global climate summit, the Government is setting ambitious targets to decarbonise the UK’s maritime economy, but many smaller firms are confused about how to make the most out of these opportunities. Mersey Maritime’s ‘Innovating Maritime’ project will act as a complimentary bridge for the maritime ecosystem, pointing it towards sources of funding, expert support, and all-important end users, helping drive innovative change within the sector.
Mersey Maritime Chief Executive Officer, Chris Shirling-Rooke, said: “There is a significant amount of work that is already taking place to transform our industry into a low carbon and digital powerhouse but what is clear is how companies of all sizes feel confused and bewildered about how they can be part of this transformation. They are beginning to understand that investors will now want to see clear evidence of a commitment to investment in both decarbonisation and digital technology.
“Over the past couple of years, we have seen our ‘Technology and Innovation Forum’ thrive, with partners including Peel Ports Group, Peel Land & Property, Bibby, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), The Manufacturing Technology Centre and Royal HaskoningDHV, all playing key supporting roles. The part that was missing was the independent expertise to really support businesses draw down the funding as well as showcase their technology to the tier one companies. This new service will be free to our members, and I know they will find it invaluable. The need is clear, and we are 100% committed to supporting them to innovate in order to answer the big challenges that our industry faces.”
As part of Dr Fulton’s new role as Chief Innovation Officer, he will be focused on:
- The delivery of five ‘cornerstone’ regional projects of national significance.
- Advising and supporting members around the development of innovation projects.
- Maximising and capitalising on both private and public innovation funding opportunities, including from central government.
- Representing Mersey Maritime on the national Maritime UK Technology and Innovation Group.
- Developing thought leadership around maritime innovation in the North West ecosystem.
- Leading the Mersey Maritime Technology and Innovation Forum.
Commenting, Dr Fulton, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring commercial R&D interests together with the world-class research institutions within our city region and beyond. Twinning expertise and facilities at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) with industrial creativity will enable us to develop projects of national and international significance.
Latest News
ClassNK releases ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’
(Posted on 01/05/25)ClassNK has released ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’ which aim to achieve sustainable... Read more
MCTC ensures quality remains at top of the table amid global tensions
(Posted on 30/04/25)In the face of unpredictable provisioning costs, port disruptions, and longer lead times MCTC has reinforced... Read more
NORDEN raises full-year guidance for 2025
(Posted on 28/04/25)On the back of the increased gains from sales of vessels and good operational performance, NORDEN, a... Read more
INTERCARGO welcomes ILO recognition of seafarers as key workers
(Posted on 28/04/25)The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has welcomed the recent decision... Read more
MMS advises why seafarers must remain vigilant about malaria
(Posted on 25/04/25)Despite its lack of publicity, malaria remains an ongoing epidemic and a perilous threat to seafarers... Read more
Veson: Bulker S&P activity falls sharply in Q1 2025
(Posted on 22/04/25)Due to market uncertainty, overall sale and purchase levels for Bulkers have fallen year on year, with... Read more
Britannia Group announces CEO succession plan
(Posted on 22/04/25)The Britannia Group, a leading P&I insurer, has announced that its Chief Executive, Andrew Cutler... Read more
INTERCARGO responds to IMO's decision on GHG reduction measures
(Posted on 15/04/25)At last week's landmark MEPC 83 meeting, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States... Read more
NORDEN sells two additional vessels
(Posted on 15/04/25)In line with NORDEN’s strategy to realise asset values, the global provider of ocean-based freight... Read more
ILO delivers on Seafarers Key Worker Rights and fair treatment
(Posted on 15/04/25)The fifth meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee (STC) of the MLC concluded last week with some... Read more
