High demand for unique Shipbuilding programme
Britain’s only course in shipbuilding management can expect huge interest in 2027, according to industry experts at Liverpool John Moores University.
LJMU – the UK’s oldest centre for maritime education – claims Mastering Shipbuilding Management is now firmly established itself in the global market.
This year’s summer course, held in Liverpool, attracted delegates from governments, the shipbuilding industry, academia, and maritime research to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
“Since we first launched it in 2024, the course has really taken off with a growing reputation as a forum for professional development, knowledge exchange, and collaboration,” explained lecturer Dr David Hitchmough.
“In economic terms, it is evolving to truly meet the needs of the global shipbuilding industry.”
Leading experts
The university hosted the event, which aims to encourage the development of executive management skills within the shipbuilding industry.
The course was led by visiting Professor Tony Graham, Professor Jin Wang and Dr David Hitchmough and opened by Rod Patterson, CEO of the National Shipbuilding Office.
The NSO’s Shipbuilding Strategy is backed by over £4 billion in investment to galvanise UK shipyards, tackle the historic “feast or famine” procurement cycle, and deliver a pipeline of over 150 vessels over 30 years.
The strategy closely links with LJMU’s work through its Global Centre for Maritime Innovation in greener vessels and clean maritime technologies to meet net-zero targets.
The week-long course covers management disciplines, ship design, design for production, shipyard layout and shipyard technologies, shipbuilding processes, quality and safety management, cost modelling, and Artificial Intelligence. It also used cross-learning from the Formula 1 industry - provided by Mercedes HPP - to show how shipbuilding could be speeded up.
Dr David Hitchmough said: “Successful educational events like this are critical as we look to move the shipbuilding industry forward. Knowledge transfer of this type drives personal growth and the spread of better practice, which will be key to regeneration in the global shipbuilding industry.”
The fourth course (MSM 2027) is planned for 21st to the 25th of June 2027.
IMAGES: LBN Daily image of the new Mersey Ferry - The Daffodil - built by Cammell Laird on the Mersey whose crews have been trained on LJMU's Maritime Simulator. (Above) The course team.
