Maritime Innovation Week returns for its third year, uniting industry leaders, green investors, start-ups, researchers, and policy experts to accelerate innovation in the maritime sector.
The event, held from 19-21 November 2024, will be hosted at two prominent locations: the iconic BT Tower in London for the first two days and the 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub at the Port of Tyne on the final day.
Key Partners and Themes
The event is supported by a range of leading organisations, including the Department for Transport, the British Ports Association, BT, Connected Places Catapult, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), and the Port of Tyne. The theme for this year’s event is “Accelerate and Amplify: Making Innovation Happen”, with a focus on driving progress across the maritime sector.
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Day One: Maritime Futures and Horizon Scanning
On 19 November, the focus will be on “Maritime Futures and Horizon Scanning”. Hosted at the BT Tower, this day will explore emerging trends and future technologies shaping the maritime industry. Attendees will discuss green shipping, decarbonising ports, evolving technologies, and changing market dynamics. The day will feature cutting-edge research, case studies of successful maritime innovations, and strategies for leading sustainable change within the industry.
Day Two: Maritime Innovation into Action
The second day, 20 November, will be dedicated to “Maritime Innovation into Action”. Also held at BT Tower, the discussions will shift towards scaling innovation within the sector. Key questions include how to transition from prototypes and trials to real-world applications and market transformation. With additional partners such as the London Stock Exchange, Scale-Up Britain, and the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub, the day will cover:
- Funding for spin-outs and SMEs: Unlocking resources for emerging companies.
- Commercialising solutions: Moving from solving problems to making real-world impact.
- Transdisciplinary research: Collaborating across fields to drive breakthroughs.
- Innovation ecosystems: Building networks that support rapid innovation.
Day Three: Maritime: Innovation for People and Place-making
On 21 November, the event moves to the 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub at the Port of Tyne for a day centred on the North East’s strengths in renewables, technology, logistics, and manufacturing. The theme, “Maritime: Innovation for People and Place-making”, will explore how the region can drive growth and opportunity through skills development, community engagement, and enhancing local supply chains. Discussions will focus on:
- Future skills development: Equipping the North East with the future skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
- Community engagement: Strengthening ties and making a lasting impact within our North East communities.
- Local supply chain development: Building opportunity and resilience through collaboration within the local North East ecosystem.
- Regional value proposition: Innovating the North East’s compelling value proposition for inward investment and growth, aiming to create greener, better generational jobs and more inclusive, equitable opportunities for all.
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Dr Jo North, the Port of Tyne’s Innovation Ecosystems Director, said: “As the maritime sector navigates towards a more sustainable future in 2024, there is a growing imperative to accelerate its transition to net zero.
“This year’s Maritime Innovation Week will spark thoughts, conversations and action around the expertise, vision and resources needed to achieve a transformational step change in leading sustainable innovation.”
READ: Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development at the Port of Tyne
Mike Kane MP, Maritime Minister, Department for Transport, said: “I’m delighted that Maritime Innovation Week is returning for its third year, and that the Port of Tyne is once again leading this important event.
“The industry has a crucial role to play in reducing emissions and growing the economy, with events like this bringing all of the right people together to make that happen.”
