Driving innovation, research and development for the Merseyside maritime sector

A strategic partnership between Liverpool John Moores University and Mersey Maritime is set to drive innovation, research and development, and increase industry engagement and support for the entire Merseyside maritime sector.  

The partnership cements LJMU’s heritage as one of the oldest nautical institutions in the UK, having served the sector with innovative technology since 1892 and will benefit Liverpool City Region which has one of the largest clusters of maritime business in Europe. 

The three year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will bridge the skills shortage in the maritime industry by developing closer links with maritime cluster organisations representing businesses and universities throughout Europe. Maritime SMEs will have access to LJMU’s facilities including research and development laboratories and testing facilities to aid UK maritime businesses to compete on a global scale. This will provide opportunities to create stronger alliances with maritime businesses, training centres and universities across the UK and the EU.  

Both organisations will also share the knowledge and experience of private and public sectors to access a variety of funding streams to finance maritime projects within the UK and EU. Resources such as intellectual property advice, training for crew and key statistical data will be available for the benefit of the industry and in the longer term links will be developed with Atlantic maritime companies and associations to further global trade. 

Professor Ahmed Al-Shamma'a, LJMU, Executive Dean, Faculty of Technology and Environment said:  

"I am truly delighted to forge such a pioneering partnership with Mersey Maritime and its members. This partnership cements our heritage as one of the oldest Nautical Institutions in the UK. 

“LJMU has served the sector with innovative use of technology since 1892 and is committed to field work in generating state-of-the-art facilities for training, teaching and research. This embraces the enterprising culture of the University, which plays a key role in our civic and regional leadership."

Chris Shirling-Rooke, Mersey Maritime’s Acting CEO, said: 

"I am really excited by this new development and look forward to working even more closely with the team at Liverpool John Moores University. Helping to create strong alliances with maritime businesses, training centres and universities across the UK and the EU is key to furthering the cause of our industry."

LJMU is also a founding partner in the creation and roll-out of a Mersey Maritime Skills Federation, due to launch in Autumn 2015. 

Read about the partnership in the Liverpool Echo 

School of Engineering, Technology and Marine Operations