Industry and academia are being invited to collaborate with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in a new strategic initiative to help the UK’s marine sector become cleaner, safer and even more successful.

The MCA is for the first time publishing a list of Areas of Research Interest (ARI), signalling 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.

The MCA’s maritime-centred ARI complements the Department for Transport’s own ARI. Both sit within the Government’s wider database of ARIs developed since 2017.

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