Mersey Maritime is proud to announce that ‘The Danny’s Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures’ initiative has been selected as the official chosen charity of the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards 2025.
Launched in September 2023, Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures is an innovative educational programme devised by The Danny’s learning and participation team. Delivered over the course of an academic year, the programme bridges Merseyside’s rich maritime past with the opportunities of its future, helping young people to understand both the history of the sector and its critical role in shaping a Net Zero future.
Through a packed schedule of shipyard and port visits, vessel tours, masterclasses, lectures, and direct engagement with industry experts, the programme introduces students to the wide array of career pathways available across the maritime sector. Designed to complement B-tech, T-Level and foundation qualifications in disciplines from engineering and business to tourism, design and the visitor economy, the programme provides students with a unique chance to experience first-hand the challenges and opportunities of an industry in transition.
To date, more than 270 students from institutions across the Liverpool City Region – including Liverpool John Moores University, Hugh Baird College, Riverside and Cronton Colleges, City of Liverpool College, Thornton College, North Liverpool Academy and Wirral Met College – have already benefitted from the programme. Delivered free of charge, it is made possible through the support of The Danny’s industry partners, including Peel Ports, Cammell Laird, Svitzer, KS Composites, Maersk, Liverpool John Moores University and others.
Speaking on the announcement, Ruth Wood, CEO of Mersey Maritime, said:
“We are delighted to support Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures as our chosen charity for this year’s Mersey Maritime Industry Awards. This programme is an outstanding example of how our region’s unique maritime heritage can inspire and educate the next generation, while also connecting them to the incredible opportunities ahead in our sector. With its focus on innovation, Net Zero and the skills needed for the future, the initiative aligns perfectly with Mersey Maritime’s mission to champion and grow our industry. Working in collaboration with some of our key partners, The Danny has created a truly meaningful programme that we are proud to support.”
Cathriona Bourke, learning and participation manager for The Danny, said:
“We’re so proud that Mersey Maritime has chosen to support our programme. We’re enormously grateful to them, and to all our partners, for helping us inspire the next generation of maritime professionals. The Danny spent decades as a working tug on the Mersey, keeping trade moving and connecting people with their livelihoods. Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures continues that tradition – connecting young people with the industry leaders and opportunities that will shape their futures.”
The Danny’s Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures initiative continues to expand its reach with plans to engage more colleges, schools, and industry partners across the Liverpool City Region in the year ahead.
To book your place at the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards 2025, click HERE
To find out more about The Danny’s Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures’ initiative click HERE
