Today (17 November 2025) the MCA is for the first time publishing
a list of Areas of Research Interest (ARI), signaling what
issues, questions and investigations will enhance its regulatory
mission, including clear guidance on emerging technology.
By sharing awareness with maritime researchers, businesses and
wider Government, the aim is to create a knowledge network on key
trends such as alternative fuels, maritime autonomous surface
ships (MASS), and the safety, welfare and skills of
seafarers.
Benefits include the MCA maintaining clear understanding of
developing issues; highlighting credible avenues for research
seeking to impact policy; and supporting shared knowledge and
understanding across maritime businesses, academia and
Government.
Within the ARI's non-exhaustive scope are topics such as
decarbonisation; counter-pollution; autonomy and digital
transformation; vessel construction; incident response; trade;
seafarers and associated professions; and regulatory
improvement.
Lars Lippuner, Director of UK Customer Maritime Services, said:
It's an exciting time for the maritime world as developing
technology brings opportunities and changes that require nimble,
well-informed responses in regulation, research and
commercialisation.
By publishing our Areas of Research Interest we intend to offer
not just guidance on direction, but to establish an ongoing
conversation across the UK's maritime industry. The aim is to
expand expertise and commercial advantage to grow jobs and the
economy.
The MCA's maritime-centred ARI complements the Department for Transport's
own ARI. Both sit within the Government's wider
database of ARIsdeveloped since 2017.
Visit gov.uk/government/publications/mca-areas-of-research-interest
For further information visit ukshipregister.co.uk/uk-maritime-innovation-hub or
email innovation@mcga.gov.uk
Background
The ARI published by the MCA today is not exhaustive and is
scheduled to be revised every two years to ensure items remain at
the cutting edge of maritime technology and practice.
The initiative will be overseen by the UK Maritime Innovation
Hub, announced by the MCA in September this year for launch
in April 2026.
Listed below are previous projects with universities as examples
of the kinds of work the MCA's ARI will help provide structure
to:
-
Memorandum of Understanding with the University of
Southampton, which has supported the MCA in research projects
connected to emissions reduction and autonomy
-
University College London mapping the production, supply and
infrastructure of alternative fuels to support the
decarbonisation of UK shipping
-
Working with Liverpool John Moores University on a research
project related to new seafarers and seasickness
-
Collaboration with the University of Plymouth connected to
testing marine autonomous systems
