Southampton leading the way in maritime innovation

With a proud seafaring history, Southampton today is a gateway for international trade and a hub of maritime innovation

Announced earlier this month, the Department for Transport has launched a new unit, UK SHORE, to tackle shipping emissions and advance the UK towards a sustainable shipping future. As part of this, £206 million of new funding has been allocated to accelerate research into and the development of clean maritime technologies and create skilled jobs across the country. Measures are already being delivered at the Port of Southampton, the UK’s number one cruise port, to reduce emissions from shipping and wider port activities.

Associated British Ports (ABP) will shortly be the first UK commercial port to operate large scale shore-side power with connections installed at the new Horizon Cruise Terminal and a second connection at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal. This infrastructure allows compatible cruise ships to ‘plug-in’ to mains, meaning zero emissions at berth.

The Port of Southampton contributes £2.5 billion to the UK economy in a typical year. This is set to increase as Southampton is a key partner in the Solent Freeport. One of eight Freeports announced by the Government, this has the potential to attract £1 billion investment, create 16,000 local jobs in the Solent region and support the UK’s aspirations of becoming a global Britain.

Southampton is also home to the Headquarters of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, UK Ships Registry and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), pioneering in science, research and technology on a global basis. The city has also recently welcomed the relocation of world-leading maritime innovator and robotics company Ocean Infinity to a purpose-built riverside location.

Dan Hook, Chief Technology Officer at Ocean Infinity, said:

“Our business develops and deploys innovative technology with a view to reinventing traditional ways of doing things, in such a way that’s better for people, and the planet. We chose Southampton as our business location as it supports our growth ambitions. With access to a rich talent pool helping us find the good people we need to grow our team, we already employ 75 people in Southampton and have plans to grow even more to add to our 500-strong global team

“One application of our robotic tech is in marine mobility; the movement of people and goods on waterways. We are excited about several projects around the Southampton and Solent region where we aim to have zero emission vessels providing water taxis and eventually ‘last blue mile’ freight services. We hope this can help the movement of people in and around the city which of course in turn will help us in our efforts to attract great local talent.

“Southampton is well renowned as the maritime hub of the UK and that in itself along with the city’s rich maritime history, makes it a great place from which to launch the first of our remotely operated vessels.”

Councillor Jeremy Moulton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth, said:

“I am delighted that Ocean Infinity chose Southampton as their new home, and it is fantastic that our ambitions for water taxis on the Solent are aligned.

“Our vision is to create world-class waterfront city and a key part of this is building on Southampton’s unique waterfront location and making use of our underused waterways to provide better connectivity across the city.

“Another major part of delivering our vision is an ambitious plan for Mayflower Park. Mayflower Park will be home to a magnificent new National Spitfire Monument and our ambitious design and development aspirations include a fantastic waterfront promenade and improved play and refreshment facilities. These improvements will not only create a long-term home for the International Boat Show, but also more opportunities for future maritime events and activities, including those linked to our UK City of Culture 2025 bid.”