Mersey Maritime Innovation Summit 2026

About this event

Following 15 months of collaboration and insight, Mersey Maritime are proud to host this full-day event which will unveil the Navigating Maritime Innovation (NMI) project’s key findings, including the launch of the Maritime Innovation Prospectus.

Join us to explore the Liverpool City Region’s world-leading maritime businesses, cutting-edge capabilities and the exciting innovation opportunities shaping the future of the sector.


AGENDA

09:30 | Guest arrival & networking

10:00 | Morning

  • Welcome and introduction from Ruth Wood – CEO, Mersey Maritime 
  • Opening keynote address from Tim Jones – Vice Chancellor at University of Liverpool
  • NMI project overview and findings from Simon Eardley – Head of Policy & Innovation, and Paul Tallon – Innovation Manager, Mersey Maritime 
  • Launch of the Maritime Innovation Prospectus from Paul Tallon – Innovation Manager, Mersey Maritime 
  • Panel discussion on key themes: Decarbonisation, Advanced Technology and Future Energy. Hearing from:
    • (Panel chair) Richard Willis, Haskoning
    • Linton Roberts, APCL Cammell Laird
    • Dr Michael Bainbridge, Bibby Marine
    • Stephen Carr, Peel Ports Group
    • Mike Gaynon, Stanlow Terminals

13:00 | Afternoon

  • Why Liverpool City Region? – Capabilities and assets snapshot. Hearing from:
    • (Panel chair) Simon Eardley, Mersey Maritime
    • John Whaling, LCR Combined Authority
    • Dr Aileen Jones, LJMU
    • Craig Grosscurth, NOC
    • Andrew Borland, VEC
  • Quickfire Innovation Showcase – A fast paced series of dynamic, high impact presentations on specific maritime innovation driven organisations and opportunities
  • UK SHORE update from Joshua McMullan – Senior Policy Adviser (Maritime Directorate), Department for Transport 
  • Maritime & Last Mile PBIAA update hearing from:
    • (Panel chair) Prof. Andy Plater, University of Liverpool 
    • Chia-Hsun Chang, LJMU
    • Jonny Higham, University of Liverpool
    • Abdul Khalique, LJMU
    • Andy King, University of Liverpool
    • Prof. Zaili Yang, LJMU
  • Closing keynote address


Find out more about the project HERE.

Contact us for more information at events@merseymaritime.co.uk

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED

Event Details

Screenshot 2026-01-29 at 11.44.05
March 26, 2026
09:30
7hr 30min
HUB502 Teaching Hub, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GR

Venue Details

HUB502 Teaching Hub, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GR
EVENTS
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Access to monthly Face-2-Face breakfast events
Opportunity to attend workshops, forums and meet the buyers’ events (priority access dependant on membership level and business relevance) Limited
Opportunity to attend executive dinners and drinks Limited
Opportunity to meet VIP guests, industry leaders and stakeholders Limited
Priority booking for tickets / tables at Mersey Maritime Industry Awards
Opportunity to present / host specific events at your own facilities Limited Limited
Creation of bespoke events programme to support your business focus / priorities Limited
Opportunity to attend national events and forums Limited Limited
COMMUNICATION / PR
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Opportunity to feature in social media marketing campaigns where appropriate Limited
Opportunity to promote your news, events and job vacancies via the weekly email / newsletters Limited
Receive weekly email including industry updates, news, events
Opportunity to be featured as ‘Spotlight’ Member of newsletters Limited
Access to funding, support, guidance and expertise Limited
New member shoutout
DIGITAL
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Logo and website link on Mersey Maritime website
Website link on Mersey Maritime email signature
RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
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Dedicated account manager Limited
Annual membership meeting (online or in-person dependant on membership level)
Quarterly meetings and reporting Limited
BUSINESS SUPPORT
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Creation of bespoke package of business support, marketing and events tailored to your business Limited
Facilitation of membership network introductions Limited Limited
Facilitation of introduction to relevant industry, academia and government stakeholders Limited Limited
BESPOKE REQUIREMENTS
BronzeSilverGoldPartner
Bespoke services and solutions Limited
Events Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner

Access to monthly Face-2-Face breakfast events

Opportunity to attend workshops, forums and meet the buyers’ events (priority access dependant on membership level and business relevance)

Limited
Limited

Opportunity to present at Face-2-Face and networking events

Limited

Opportunity to attend executive dinners and drinks

Limited

Opportunity to meet VIP guests, industry leaders and stakeholders

Limited

Opportunity to attend The Maritime Exchange Conference

Limited
Limited

Priority booking for tickets / tables at Mersey Maritime Industry Awards

Limited
Limited

Opportunity to have 1-2-1 with Mersey Maritime board members

Opportunity to host specific events at your own facilities

Creation of bespoke events programme to support your business focus / priorities

Limited

Opportunity to attend Maritime UK and other national trade bodies events and forums

Limited
Limited
Communication / PR Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner
Opportunity to feature in social media marketing campaigns where appropriate
Limited
Limited
Opportunity to promote your news, events and job vacancies via the Ezine
Limited
Limited
Limited
Receive regular updates, news, events and Ezine (tailored to membership level)
Opportunity to be Ezine Member of the Month
Digital Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner
Logo and website link on Mersey Maritime website
Website link on Mersey Maritime email signature
Relationship Management Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner
Dedicated account manager
Quarterly meetings and reporting
Limited
Business Support Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner
Creation of bespoke package of business support, marketing and events tailored to your business
Limited
Access to funding, support, guidance and expertise from Dr Matt Fulton, Chief Innovation Officer (additional resource from Liverpool John Moores University, University of Liverpool and MTC)
Limited
Limited
Direct access to Government elected and officials – local, regional, national and international
Limited
Facilitation of B2B introductions
Limited
Discounted rates for use of conference facilities at Mersey Maritime
Access to Maritime UK and other national trade bodies through Chris Shirling-Rooke, Mersey Maritime CEO’s role as Assistant Chair of Maritime UK
Limited
Limited
Bespoke Requirements Micro Standard Executive Sponsor Partner
Bespoke services and solutions