On 17 November 2025, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) unveiled its inaugural list of Areas of Research Interest (ARI), outlining key issues and inquiries that will bolster its regulatory mission, particularly in relation to emerging technologies. This initiative aims to foster a knowledge network among maritime researchers, businesses, and government entities, focusing on critical trends such as alternative fuels and maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), while also addressing the safety, welfare, and skills of seafarers.
The MCA’s ARI is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of evolving maritime challenges, promote credible research avenues that can influence policy, and facilitate shared insights across academia, industry, and government. Topics within the ARI’s scope include decarbonisation, counter-pollution efforts, digital transformation, vessel construction, and regulatory enhancements.
Lars Lippuner, Director of UK Customer Maritime Services, emphasized the significance of this development, noting that as technology advances, it presents both opportunities and challenges that necessitate agile responses in regulation and research. He highlighted that the publication of the ARI aims to initiate ongoing dialogues within the maritime sector, ultimately fostering expertise and economic growth.
The MCA’s maritime-focused ARI complements the Department for Transport’s own ARI and is part of a broader government initiative established since 2017. This ARI will be updated biannually to stay aligned with the latest advancements in maritime technology and practices, under the guidance of the UK Maritime Innovation Hub set to launch in April 2026.
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