The maritime industry is gearing up for a significant event that promises to shake things up and set the agenda for the future. The inaugural Solent Coastal Powerhouse Summit, backed by Maritime UK Solent, Associated British Ports, and Carnival UK, is set to take place on March 26 and 27 at ABP’s Ocean Terminal in Southampton. This isn’t just another conference; it’s a powerhouse gathering where industry leaders and innovators will showcase the latest advancements in maritime technology and sustainability. The event is designed to be a game-changer, offering invaluable insights into cutting-edge developments that are reshaping the sector.
The summit kicks off with a bang, featuring keynote speeches from heavyweights like Mike Kane MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security); Paul Ludlow, President of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises; Alastair Welch, Director of the Port of Southampton; Cdre Marcel Rosenberg ADC RN, Naval Base Commander (Portsmouth); and Chris Shirling-Rooke, CEO of Maritime UK. These speakers aren’t just names on a programme; they’re the ones driving the industry forward, and their insights will be gold for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Chris Shirling-Rooke, CEO of Maritime UK, underscored the significance of the event, stating, “The Coastal Powerhouse Conference is a fantastic opportunity to champion the vital role our coastal communities play in driving the UK’s maritime economy. Maritime UK is committed to supporting these communities by fostering collaboration, investment, and innovation – ensuring they remain at the heart of our sector’s future.” This isn’t just about networking; it’s about creating a collaborative ecosystem where innovation thrives.
The first day of the summit is packed with thought-provoking sessions. Jamie Holmes from NASH Maritime will lead a session on Clean Maritime, diving into sustainable shipping solutions that could redefine how we approach maritime sustainability. Dan Hook from RAD Propulsion will explore the role of automation in maritime operations, a topic that’s bound to spark some heated debates and inspire new ideas. The day will also feature a panel discussion on Port Sustainability, led by Associated British Ports (ABP), focusing on the critical role of port infrastructure in achieving maritime decarbonisation.
The afternoon of the first day will be dedicated to ABP’s Energy Ventures Accelerator (EVA), with a groundbreaking ‘EVA Southampton Innovation Exchange’ session. This isn’t just a talk shop; it’s a dynamic platform where industry leaders, startups, and innovators will come together to share cutting-edge insights and revolutionary solutions. Max Harris, Group Head of Strategy and Sustainability at ABP, highlighted the significance of this session, saying, “We’re delighted to be bringing insights from our EVA programme to the Coastal Powerhouse Conference in Southampton. Our EVA Innovation Exchange will explore maritime decarbonisation through the lens of innovation with access to a range of deep industry experts from Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Carnival UK, HMM and Sallaum Lines, as well as showcasing innovative technologies from an exciting line up of clean tech startups.”
The second day of the summit will be all about action. Live demonstrations and expert-led discussions will highlight People, Innovation, Trade & Investment. The Innovation Showcase will feature on-the-water demonstrations and presentations from leading maritime innovators, including Chartwell Marine, Optima Electric Yachts, Aqua Superpower, MIMO Connect, Ecomar Propulsion, RAD Propulsion, SeaBot Maritime, Online Oceans, National Oceanography Centre, and Berthon. This isn’t just about seeing the future; it’s about experiencing it firsthand.
Stu Baker, Managing Director of Maritime UK Solent, summed it up perfectly, saying, “The Solent Coastal Powerhouse Summit is an unmissable event for anyone involved in the maritime sector. The Solent region is at the forefront of maritime innovation, and this event will highlight the cutting-edge solutions that are driving the industry forward.” With a programme packed with industry expertise, hands-on demonstrations, and networking opportunities, the Coastal Powerhouse Summit is set to become a key event in the maritime calendar.
This summit isn’t just about the here and now; it’s about shaping the future. The discussions and innovations showcased here will undoubtedly influence policy, drive investment, and foster collaboration. As the maritime industry grapples with sustainability challenges and technological advancements, events like this are crucial. They provide a platform for dialogue, innovation, and action, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of maritime innovation. So, if you’re serious about the future of maritime, mark your calendars and get ready to be part of the action.
