UK supports maritime industry with upcoming hub
Innovators to benefit from dedicated services.
Maritime industry innovators in Britain are being backed by the government, with the UK Maritime Innovation Hub slated for an April 2026 launch.
Part of the Department for Transport's Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy, the upcoming facility is set to provide tailored support to vessel operators, shipbuilders, start-ups, and technology developers. The goal is to bring their innovative concepts into real-world maritime operations without compromising safety.
"This is an exciting time to be a part of the maritime industry," Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Director of UK Customer Maritime Services Lars Lippuner commented. "With the Innovation Hub, we're strengthening our support for innovators to bring the latest technologies and findings to our shores.
"We are currently building a workforce to help navigate the route to approval whilst upholding safety and regulatory standards. We cannot wait to see the potential it unlocks, not just for the UK but on an international scale."
Via the UK Maritime Innovation Hub, organisations will be assisted by experts from the prototype stage all the way to sea trials. Dedicated account management services as well as early engagement opportunities will be offered.
"From autonomy and alternative fuels to digital systems, we will guide you through the regulatory journey so you can test, validate, deploy, and ultimately achieve regulatory approval faster, accelerating the timeline to bring your innovation to market," said the UK Ship Register, which is part of the MCA.
"The Hub will open for business in April 2026, and we're designing the service today to meet the needs of the maritime innovation community."
Specialist recruitment is ongoing for the upcoming UK Maritime Innovation Hub.
