The UK is set to launch a Maritime Innovation Hub in April 2026, aimed at accelerating decarbonization in the maritime sector. Hosted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, this initiative will support ship operators and technology developers in navigating regulatory frameworks to foster innovative solutions for sustainable shipping.
Two leading UK maritime law firms, Tatham & Co and Sea Green Law, have merged to form a new practice with 22 lawyers. Effective April 1, 2025, the new entity will operate under the name Tatham & Co and will be jointly led by Stephen Askins, James Hickland, and Ted Graham.
Over the past 20 months, three accidents involving British citizens aboard Egyptian submersibles in the Red Sea have caught the attention of the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). These incidents, including capsizing and a fatal fire, have raised concerns about the safety of submersible operations and the need for stricter regulations.
The UK government has allocated nearly $1 million in funding to support nine maritime clusters across the country, aiming to boost local economies, connect businesses with the industry, and attract more individuals to the maritime sector. The investment will help secure funding for industries, implement skills training, and revitalize coastal towns and cities.
In 2023, TSC and SMMI launched a project on small vessel stability with funding from the Wolfson Unit and NFFO. Testing at Southampton University’s Boldrewood Towing Tank focused on key provisions like freeboard and bulwark height. The collaboration aimed to improve safety measures for small vessel operators and enhance compliance with regulations in the maritime industry.
The Red Sea attackers are making huge profits by extorting ship owners for “protection money,” with Houthi rebels reportedly pocketing $2 billion in the past year. The complex maritime operations and political pressures make it challenging for law enforcement to combat this trend effectively, as funds flow through convoluted routes.
A crew member aboard the Equinox Seas tragically lost his life after falling into an open ventilation shaft during maintenance at the ONEX Syros Shipyards in Syros, Greece. The incident highlights the dangers of ship maintenance and serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols to prevent such accidents in the future.
It is crucial for owners, operators, and masters of fishing vessels with side doors to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to prevent water ingress. Addressing safety concerns and promptly implementing corrective actions, especially focusing on the door retention mechanism, is vital. Mitigating flooding risks and maintaining open communication are essential for safety.
Seafarers in the UK will soon benefit from new legislation aimed at protecting them from exploitative employers. The Employment Rights Bill will introduce measures to prevent incidents like the P&O Ferries scandal, ensuring fair treatment and job security for seafarers. These changes are part of the government’s commitment to improving working conditions in the maritime sector.
On July 12, 2024, the crew of the fishing vessel “Kingfisher” faced a dangerous situation when one of their sailors was pulled overboard while setting traps. Thanks to his personal flotation device and the quick response of his colleagues, the sailor was successfully rescued. This incident emphasizes the importance of safety and preparedness at sea.
The Dogger Bank wind farm consortium has confirmed that no injuries occurred during the damage incident, and they are working with turbine manufacturer GE Vernova to investigate the root cause. Safety and transparency are top priorities, with updates to be shared as more details are gathered and analyzed. Collaboration is key in addressing the issue effectively.
A group plans to provide valuable evidence to UK seafarers’ welfare charities, aiming to better understand and meet the needs of seafarers and their families. The survey will help improve services like ship visits, social support, housing, and hotlines. This initiative aims to enhance the well-being and support system for UK seafarers.
A new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) named DTV1 was delivered to South Hampshire College Group in the UK. Built by local firms, the compact maritime training vessel is designed for remote control and features AI decision-aided support. With a focus on skills development and sustainability, the USV aims to enhance training capabilities and address employment challenges in the maritime sector.
A recent study shows that respondents believe increased diversity in the workforce will have a positive impact, with female participants rating its importance higher than male counterparts. Ying Ying Lim of Cargill stresses the need to break gender stereotypes in the workplace, while Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry emphasizes the importance of diversity in the maritime industry to address talent shortages.
Seawork, in partnership with Maritime UK and the Solent LEP, is hosting a careers event on June 13, 2024. The European Commission emphasizes the need for investment in skills and career development in the Blue Economy. Testimonials from last year’s event highlight the success and impact of the Careers Fair. Contact Seawork to participate.
