LISW 2025: Powering Maritime Innovation: Towards a UK Research Roadmap— Why this matters now?

On Tuesday 16 September, from 14:00 to 16:00, leading voices from across the maritime industry, academia, and government will gather in the Abbey Room, Queen Elizabeth II Centre, London SW1P 3EE to chart a course for the UK’s maritime innovation future.

Hosted by MarRI-UK and the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) during London International Shipping Week 2025, the event will kick-start work on a national maritime research roadmap—seen as essential to unlocking the sector’s full economic and strategic potential.

With the UK maritime sector underpinning £116 billion in economic activity and over a million jobs, the industry is calling for a coordinated research strategy to drive innovation in decarbonisation, automation, and digitalisation. The roadmap aims to align investment, focus research on national priorities, and deliver long-term competitive advantage.

Keynotes from the Department for Transport and National Shipbuilding Office will frame the challenge, while speakers from Maersk, BAE Systems, Lloyd’s Register, Ecomar Propulsion, and others will outline how a clearer research pathway supports growth—from SMEs to shipyards.

The event will define the high-level structure of the roadmap, establish a cross-sector working group, and agree a development timeline—cementing collaboration as the cornerstone of the UK’s maritime future.

Register Here