Following the success of the first conference and EXPO, Maritime Innovation Week will return with a jam-packed in-person and virtual activities programme over three days in November 2023.
It will be hosted at the 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub in the North East and at the BT Tower in central London, through a revamped virtual studio platform.
The initial event drew approximately 500 guests, with speakers ranging from NASA to Dragon’s Den, as well as feedback from ministries and industry executives.
In line with the previous year, the programming will include an exciting hackathon to encourage participants to take an active role in developing creative and sustainable marine solutions.
READ: UK Government backs Port of Tyne 2050 Maritime Innovation Week
This year’s marine Innovation Week is expected to bring together some of inventive minds from within and outside the maritime industry to create cooperation opportunities and exchange insights on the sector’s most urgent issues.
Gold sponsors and conference partners include BT, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, and the Port of Tyne, as well as the British Ports Association, the Department for Transport, Maritime UK, and the Society of Maritime Industries.
The government’s Maritime 2050 strategy calls for a bold approach. As such, each day of Maritime Innovation Week will explore a different theme crucial to the fulfilment of the Maritime 2050 strategy and wider net zero strategies, while looking to harness technological advancements.
The event will challenge traditional approaches and showcase the very best of Industry 4.0 thinking and action for maritime applications.
READ: 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub launches Maritime Innovation Week
Maritime Minister, Baroness Vere, said: “The government is committed to reaching its Maritime 2050 goals, including our ambitious decarbonisation strategy.
“Millions of pounds of government funding is being invested in developing greener, cleaner vessels and infrastructure, to accelerate our progress towards a net zero sector.”
Matt Beeton, Chief Executive of the Port of Tyne, commented: “Last year’s event was a huge success and with partners like BT, Frazer-Nash, the British Ports Association, Maritime UK, the Department for Transport and the Society of Maritime Industries on board.”
Keir Gravil, Business Manager, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, said: “As a systems and technology company, we are dedicated to fostering innovation and progress.
“We believe that this event is a great platform for bringing together some of the brightest minds in the maritime industry to explore new ideas, exchange knowledge, and shape the future of the sector to drive positive change in the maritime industry.”
Richard Ballantyne OBE, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, stated: “British ports have a strong record of delivering innovative and tailored-made solutions for their customers.
“The next decade is only going to see the pace of change accelerate and that’s why we are proud to be a partner in this year’s Maritime Innovation Week.”
Tom Chant MBE, Chief Executive of the Society of Maritime Industries, said: “The maritime supply chain needs to innovate to stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing global business landscape.
“The Society of Maritime Industries are pleased to collaborate again on the delivery of the second Maritime Innovation Week where we aim to convene the best technologies and minds to the challenges and opportunities presented in the maritime sector.”
In July 2019, the first Maritime Innovation Hub in the UK opened at the Port of Tyne.
