News & Media

16th May 2023

Inspirational Maritime Innovation Week returns for 2023

Following the success of the inaugural conference and EXPO, Maritime Innovation Week is set to return with a packed in-person and virtual events programme across three days from 7-9 November 2023, hosted at the 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub in the North East and at the BT Tower in central London through a revamped studio platform.

The first event welcomed nearly 500 delegates, with speakers representing an array of sectors – from NASA to Dragon’s Den – alongside input from ministers and industry leaders.  In keeping with the first year, the programme will include an exciting Innovation Live pitch contest and hackathon to take a proactive role in creating innovative and sustainable solutions for maritime.

This year’s re-imagined Maritime Innovation Week will bring together some of the most innovative minds from both inside and outside of the maritime industry, to provide collaboration opportunities and share insights that will address the sector’s most pressing topics.  BT, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, and the Port of Tyne, alongside the British Ports Association, the Department for Transport, Maritime UK, and the Society of Maritime Industries are gold sponsors and conference partners, respectively.

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.

To register your interest to attend, speak or sponsor, please visit: https://yoonity.io/v/maritimeinnovationweek2023

Quotes

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.

“I am pleased to see the return of Maritime Innovation Week, which will provide a platform to discuss some of the most pressing challenges for the sector, convening a range of industry, Government and wider stakeholders to collaborate on cutting-edge clean maritime solutions.”

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, November’s conference is already shaping up to be a fantastic launch-pad to continue our drive to draw down best practice from overseas, other leading industries and academia to ensure the UK maritime sector is fit-for-the-future.”

Brian Jackson, Director of Surveillance & Smart Solutions, BT plc, added: “We’re delighted to sponsor MIW23 and support the maritime industry in driving innovations that deliver UK competitive edge.  Leveraging technology to deliver improved safety, security, sustainability, and operational intelligence is core to our work with ports today.  Collaborating on new ideas, continuous innovation and building technology solutions for the future is our focus to support the growth and vitality of the UK maritime sector.”

Keir Gravil, Business Manager, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, said: “Frazer-Nash is thrilled to be a sponsor of Maritime Innovation Week 2023.  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.”

Janet Fallon, Interim Chief Executive of Maritime UK, said: “The United Kingdom boasts an exceptional technology industry and a thriving maritime sector. Through collaboration, at events like this year’s Maritime Innovation Week, we can continue to drive forward innovative solutions to ensure the UK maintains its position as one of the global centres for green maritime technology."

Richard Ballantyne OBE, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, said: “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.”