Today (17 November 2025) the MCA is for the first time publishing a list of Areas of Research Interest (ARI), signaling what issues, questions and investigations will enhance its regulatory mission, including clear guidance on emerging technology.
By sharing awareness with maritime researchers, businesses and wider Government, the aim is to create a knowledge network on key trends such as alternative fuels, maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), and the safety, welfare and skills of seafarers.
Benefits include the MCA maintaining clear understanding of developing issues; highlighting credible avenues for research seeking to impact policy; and supporting shared knowledge and understanding across maritime businesses, academia and Government.
Within the ARI’s non-exhaustive scope are topics such as decarbonisation; counter-pollution; autonomy and digital transformation; vessel construction; incident response; trade; seafarers and associated professions; and regulatory improvement.
Lars Lippuner, Director of UK Customer Maritime Services, said
It’s an exciting time for the maritime world as developing technology brings opportunities and changes that require nimble, well-informed responses in regulation, research and commercialisation.
By publishing our Areas of Research Interest we intend to offer not just guidance on direction, but to establish an ongoing conversation across the UK’s maritime industry. The aim is to expand expertise and commercial advantage to grow jobs and the economy.
The MCA’s maritime-centred ARI complements the Department for Transport’s own ARI. Both sit within the Government’s wider database of ARIs developed since 2017.
Visit gov.uk/government/publications/mca-areas-of-research-interest
For further information visit ukshipregister.co.uk/uk-maritime-innovation-hub or email [email protected]
Background
The ARI published by the MCA today is not exhaustive and is scheduled to be revised every two years to ensure items remain at the cutting edge of maritime technology and practice.
The initiative will be overseen by the UK Maritime Innovation Hub, announced by the MCA in September this year for launch in April 2026.
Listed below are previous projects with universities as examples of the kinds of work the MCA’s ARI will help provide structure to
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Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Southampton, which has supported the MCA in research projects connected to emissions reduction and autonomy
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University College London mapping the production, supply and infrastructure of alternative fuels to support the decarbonisation of UK shipping
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Working with Liverpool John Moores University on a research project related to new seafarers and seasickness
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Collaboration with the University of Plymouth connected to testing marine autonomous systems