Mersey Maritime Launches Refreshed 2026 Industry Awards

Mersey Maritime has launched the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards 2026 (MMIA26), marking the twelfth annual celebration of achievement across the region’s maritime sector and introducing a new venue and refreshed format for the year ahead.

For 2026, the awards will take place at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool and will feature updates to the programme and categories, creating new opportunities to recognise the people and organisations driving innovation, collaboration and excellence across the powerhouse £9.03bn North West maritime sector. The refreshed approach builds on the event’s strong foundations while maintaining the inclusive spirit that has made the awards a flagship event in the industry calendar, not just in the North West but with a national impact too.

The awards will take place on Friday 4 December 2026, bringing together businesses, organisations and individuals from across the maritime industry for an evening of recognition, networking and celebration.

Established as a key fixture in the maritime calendar, the MMIA celebrates the sector’s contribution to the Liverpool City Region and the wider North West. As the industry continues to evolve in response to innovation, sustainability priorities and workforce development, the awards provide an important platform to recognise leadership and achievement across a broad range of disciplines.

“We are delighted to launch the twelfth Mersey Maritime Industry Awards and to build on the momentum of previous years with a refreshed format for 2026. These awards shine a spotlight on the talent, innovation and impact that continue to define our sector, while reflecting the changing priorities of the industry and the exciting opportunities ahead.” Ruth Wood, CEO, Mersey Maritime

The black-tie ceremony is expected to attract a broad cross-section of the industry, including SMEs, supply chain businesses, major operators, and public sector partners. Confirmed sponsors to date include APCL Cammell Laird, Haskoning, SeaKing Group, and the Royal Navy.

Key Information:

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