MERSEY MARITIME ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO DRIVE NORTH WEST MARITIME GROWTH

Mersey Maritime, one of the UK’s leading maritime membership organisations, today (2nd April 2026) announces the appointment of a refreshed Board of Directors, following a newly introduced expression of interest process. This marks the first time board appointments have been made through an open and competitive approach, reinforcing Mersey Maritime’s commitment to transparent and inclusive governance.

The North West maritime sector generates £9.03 billion in turnover and supports over 47,000 jobs. Mersey Maritime plays a central role in this ecosystem, connecting businesses, fostering innovation, and leading initiatives in skills development, digital adoption, and decarbonisation. The refreshed board will provide strategic oversight to ensure these priorities deliver tangible impact and sustained growth for the sector across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.

Ruth Wood, CEO of Mersey Maritime, commented:

“Mersey Maritime was established by industry for industry, and we continue to benefit from the commitment of our founding partners, many of whom remain actively involved as members and directors.

“For the first time, new board members have been appointed through an expression of interest process, enabling us to attract a diverse and high‑calibre range of candidates from across the sector. Our refreshed board reflects the breadth and strength of the North West maritime industry, with expertise spanning ports, shipping, defence, renewables, professional services, supply chains and academia.

“Their insight and leadership will be crucial as we support our members, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate skills development, digital innovation and decarbonisation across the region.”

Phillip Waterhouse, Chairman of Mersey Maritime, said:

“I would like to thank those board members who are stepping down for their invaluable contribution and dedication to Mersey Maritime and the wider sector.

“The appointment of our new directors follows an important governance review and revised Articles of Association, ensuring Mersey Maritime is aligned with best practice and well positioned for the future.

“I am delighted to welcome our new board members and look forward to working with them as we continue to support growth and innovation across the North West maritime sector.”

To find out more about membership at Mersey Maritime and join our ecosystem, please click HERE.

To read our latest Maritime Innovation Prospectus Report, please click HERE.

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
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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