SMI Workboat Working Group 2026 Annual Seminar

10.30

Arrival and networking

Registration and networking, tea & coffee

11.00 – 12.00

Session One

Regulatory Momentum – Setting the Direction

Focus: A strategic session featuring senior voices from government and regulators exploring policy direction, frameworks, and support to accelerate the decarbonisation of small vessels and strengthen UK supply chain capability.

Speakers:
Gwilym Stone, MCA,
The National Shipbuilding Office.

12.00 – 12.25

Coffee & Networking

12.25 – 13.30

Session Two

The role of Autonomy in the Commercial Workboat and Small vessel sector

Focus: What opportunities will autonomous and remotely operated vessels create for the workboat sector? Where is demand likely to come from? And how can shipowners, builders and suppliers position themselves to benefit? Through industry insight and practical examples, this session will explore the commercial realities of autonomy and what it means for future business growth.

Speakers:
Stehr Consulting
Associated British Ports (ABP)

Further speaker announcements tbc

13.30 – 14.15

Lunch & Networking

14.15 – 15.45

Session Three

Future Fleet Requirements: What Owners, Operators and Shipyards Will Need from the Supply Chain

Focus: Understanding where operators and shipyards are investing, what capabilities they will require in the future, and how procurement decisions are made can be challenging for suppliers, technology developers and service providers. Yet these insights are critical for businesses seeking to align their products, services and innovations with market demand.

This session brings together leading perspectives from across the workboat sector to provide delegates with a clearer understanding of the opportunities, challenges and investment priorities shaping the future fleet. Speakers from Bibby Marine and UK Docks will share their experiences and outlook, offering direct insight into operational requirements, vessel development programmes, technology priorities, procurement pathways and emerging capability gaps.

Speakers:

Bibby Marine
UK Docks
Further speaker announcements tbc