Making the most of maritime funding
A new service is launching in the North West to help organisations make the most of funding opportunities in the UK’s maritime sector.
The government is setting ambitious targets to decarbonise the UK’s maritime economy, but many smaller firms say they are confused about how to make the most out of these opportunities. Regional cluster organisation, Mersey Maritime, is therefore launching a pilot project called ‘Innovating Maritime’, led by Dr Matt Fulton from the University of Liverpool, to point companies towards sources of funding, expert support and end users.
“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,” said Mersey Maritime chief executive, Chris Shirling-Rooke.
As part of Dr Fulton’s new role as chief innovation officer, he will focus on delivering five key regional projects of national significance; give advice and support on developing innovation projects; maximise funding opportunities; lead the Mersey Maritime Technology and Innovation Forum and represent Mersey Maritime on the national Maritime UK Technology and Innovation Group.
Dr Fulton said it was the maritime sector was currently undergoing an ‘innovation renaissance’. “The unique challenges and opportunities offered by digitalisation and artificial intelligence gives huge scope for us to make a tangible difference, increasing efficiency, investment and jobs whilst reducing our impact on the environment,” he said.
The new service will be free to Mersey Maritime members.
