News: Maritime UK announces COP26 events to showcase sector’s green leadership to the world

• IMO Secretary-General, Ministers and a VVIP to speak at flagship reception attended by maritime leaders
• Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) winners’ event set to demonstrate UK green maritime innovation
• Maritime Skills Commission will also chart skills needed to drive net zero transition
• Cutting-edge companies to showcase new clean vessels for offshore market

Maritime UK has announced a COP26 programme, in partnership with the City of Glasgow College, to showcase the country’s global leadership in the industry’s transition to Net Zero. The programme will be delivered at “The International Maritime Hub”, located at the City of Glasgow College’s Riverside campus.

Winners of the government’s recent Clean Maritime Competition Demonstration (CMDC), which saw £23 million awarded to projects developing technology for vessels, will be provided a platform to demonstrate their innovation.

The Maritime Skills Commission will also host a forum for industry leaders to discuss how the UK’s sector will ensure the skills are in place to support the transition to net zero.

A reception will also be held with the IMO Secretary-General, Ministers and maritime CEOs in attendance. The invite-only event will be attended by Maritime UK members, IMO representatives and local Scottish maritime businesses.

Sarah Kenny OBE, chair of Maritime UK, said:           

“Our programme for COP26 will bring the sector together to showcase best practice and accelerate progress towards the decarbonisation of the sector.

“Through showcasing cutting-edge projects and convening the global industry to discuss this greatest of shared missions, we aim to set the agenda in Glasgow for green maritime.

“Following last week’s welcome Net Zero Strategy, we will also send a clear message to the UK government, highlighting how through closer collaboration, and further co-investment, we can meet the UK’s net zero target together.”

Other events over COP26 at the International Maritime Hub include the Mersey Maritime and Scottish Marine Cluster Breakfast Meeting, and ‘Get set for Workboat 2050’ hosted by the Workboat Association.

The Hub’s Platinum Sponsor is leading Belgian shipping firm Compagnie Maritime Belge, and Bronze Sponsors are Ecospeed Marine, the Port of Tyne and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Paul Little, Principal at City of Glasgow College, said:

"As one of the leading maritime institutions across the globe, we are delighted to be working in partnership with Maritime UK to formally launch our International Maritime Hub here at our Riverside Campus in Glasgow. 

“As this great city prepares to host COP26, when world leaders meet and agree on tackling climate change, we will be showcasing the latest technologies and innovation that the maritime sector has to offer."

Alexander Saverys, CEO at Compagnie Maritime Belge, added:

“We are excited to be present at the International Maritime Hub during COP26. It’s an opportunity to showcase our many concrete hydrogen solutions for the shipping industry and engage with all the stakeholders on how to fast-track the deployment of green applications.”