UK Maritime Innovation Hub
Bridging maritime innovation and regulation through clear and early access to expert engagement.
Accelerating maritime innovation in the UK
The UK Maritime Innovation Hub is a service of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), providing coordinated access to regulatory engagement for organisations developing innovative maritime technologies. Drawing on expertise from across the MCA, it supports clear, early and more structured engagement where this can add value, particularly in the areas of autonomy (MASS), decarbonisation (including energy efficiency and alternative fuels), digital systems and digitalisation technologies, and nuclear propulsion.
The UK has a strong track record in maritime regulation and innovation, including the development of UK standards such as the Workboat Code (The Safety of Small Workboats and Pilot Boats – A Code of Practice) and active engagement in emerging international frameworks such as the IMO Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code. This experience underpins the UK Maritime Innovation Hub’s role in supporting the safe development and adoption of technologies across its priority areas.
As maritime technologies evolve, timely engagement between innovators and the regulator is increasingly important. The UK Maritime Innovation Hub supports early dialogue to help organisations understand regulatory considerations, explore available pathways, and identify appropriate next steps.
Support is provided through timely engagement with specialist teams, clear guidance, and a structured process for progressing projects. Engagement is approached from a position of “Yes, if…”, helping organisations to explore what may be possible within regulatory and safety frameworks, and what would be required to support this.
The UK Maritime Innovation Hub supports innovation that is safe by design, environmentally responsible, and aligned with the UK’s maritime decarbonisation ambitions. By improving clarity and coordination, it helps provide greater predictability for organisations navigating regulatory processes.
Our work spans early-stage concept discussions through to trials. We ensure innovators can access the regulatory insight, networks and expertise needed to progress their projects, supporting a clear understanding of regulatory expectations and enabling them to engage effectively with regulatory processes.
We welcome enquiries from innovators, technology developers, researchers and industry partners based in the UK, Crown Dependencies and UK Overseas Territories. This reflects our role in supporting effective regulation while maintaining awareness of emerging trends across the maritime sector.
Contact the UK Maritime Innovation Hub
Have an idea, project proposal or request for support?
We welcome enquiries from innovators, technology developers, research institutions and industry partners.
For further information email innovation@mcga.gov.uk.
Our support process
The UK Maritime Innovation Hub uses a structured process to coordinate support for innovators and organisations.
Projects typically begin with initial contact, triage and early guidance. Early guidance may involve discussions to clarify regulatory considerations, explore potential pathways and identify next steps.
Beyond this stage, engagement may become more iterative and tailored to the needs of the project. This can include coordination with relevant specialists, support in preparing for regulatory submissions, and facilitating access to trial or sandbox environments where appropriate.
Projects seeking vessel certification or approval are likely to engage across multiple stages, although not all projects will require every step.
Projects may progress through the full process or conclude at different stages. Where appropriate, organisations may be signposted to other relevant services or agencies.
Insights and learning are captured throughout to inform future approaches to maritime innovation.
Our priority innovation themes
Explore the areas where the UK Maritime Innovation Hub focuses its regulatory engagement and support for innovation.
Autonomy (MASS)
Supporting the development and safe integration of remotely operated vessels and marine autonomous surface ships (MASS) across a range of vessel sizes and operational models, helping organisations understand the UK regulatory framework, relevant requirements, and how to engage effectively with regulatory processes.
Decarbonisation (including energy efficiency and alternative fuels)
Supporting the transition to net zero through energy efficient vessel solutions and alternative fuels. This includes propulsion innovation, operational improvements and emissions reduction approaches, alongside engagement with initiatives such as UK SHORE, the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) and the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) programme.
Digital systems and digitalisation technologies
Supporting the adoption of digital technologies such as digital twins, data platforms, advanced analytics, quantum and other advanced computing technologies, and connected systems across maritime operations.
Nuclear propulsion
Supporting cross-sector engagement to explore the regulatory frameworks, requirements and assurance considerations associated with future civilian maritime nuclear technologies.
Areas of research interest (ARI)
The UK Maritime Innovation Hub supports the MCA’s Areas of Research Interest (ARI), helping external researchers align their work with policy development and regulatory priorities.
Organisations and individuals wishing to discuss research opportunities are invited to contact us by emailing ari@mcga.gov.uk.