Mersey Maritime has today (1 July 2026) unveiled a refreshed brand identity and strategic direction, signalling a new chapter for the organisation as it champions the future of maritime through collaboration, ambition and a sharper focus on the three forces shaping the sector’s future: decarbonisation, innovation and people.
The refreshed direction follows a period of strategic development at Mersey Maritime, including the appointment of a new Board of Directors, and reflects the organisation’s ambition to respond more clearly and purposefully to the evolving needs of the maritime sector and its members.
Established more than two decades ago by industry, for industry, Mersey Maritime has grown from a regional cluster created to connect and champion the maritime community into a strategic convenor for one of the UK’s most diverse and dynamic maritime ecosystems. This next phase builds on that legacy, defining a more future-facing role for the organisation as it helps members navigate major transition and positions the Liverpool City Region and wider North West at the forefront of maritime transformation.
The North West is home to one of the UK’s most significant maritime communities, generating £9.03 billion in business turnover and supporting more than 47,000 jobs. As the regional cluster organisation for the Liverpool City Region and wider North West, Mersey Maritime plays a pivotal role in connecting this ecosystem – bringing together businesses, academia, government and stakeholders to accelerate growth, influence change and unlock future opportunities.
The new strategy strengthens Mersey Maritime’s role as a catalyst for purposeful growth, with members at the centre of its approach. It provides a clear framework for how the organisation will support collaboration, champion industry priorities and help businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.
At the centre of this direction are three strategic priorities: decarbonisation, innovation and people. Together, these priorities reflect the biggest areas of opportunity and transformation facing maritime – from accelerating the transition to net zero and adopting new technologies, to developing the skills, talent and diversity needed for the future workforce.
The priorities are also embedded throughout the refreshed brand identity, with each pillar represented through a distinct colour pathway that demonstrates how these areas connect to create meaningful impact across the sector.
Commenting on the launch, Ruth Wood, Chief Executive Officer of Mersey Maritime, said:
“Modernising our brand is about more than how we look. It is about being clearer about who we are, what we stand for and how we create value for our members. As we move forward, we want Mersey Maritime to be an open, accessible and transparent organisation – one that listens carefully, communicates honestly and works collaboratively with industry to deliver meaningful impact.”
Our focus on decarbonisation, innovation and people reflects the areas where we believe we can have the greatest impact and best respond to the evolving needs of our industry. By bringing the sector together, championing our members and creating opportunities for collaboration, we can help unlock growth, influence change and support a more sustainable, inclusive and globally recognised future for maritime across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.”
This new chapter also builds on Mersey Maritime’s commitment to recognising excellence across the industry through the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards. In 2026, the organisation has introduced the Mersey Maritime Industry Honours, recognising individuals whose leadership is helping shape the future of maritime across three categories aligned with its strategic priorities: Innovation Leader of the Year, Decarbonisation Leader of the Year and People Leader of the Year.
Applications for the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards are now open HERE.
The refreshed direction is supported by Mersey Maritime’s new Board of Directors. The new board brings together expertise from across the maritime ecosystem, including ports, shipping, defence, renewables, professional services, supply chains and academia, strengthening Mersey Maritime’s ability to support members, drive collaboration and deliver impact across the sector. Read more HERE.
The refreshed Mersey Maritime identity will be introduced across its digital platforms, communications, events and industry engagement activity.
