Accelerating maritime innovation without compromising safety
The UK Maritime Innovation Hub, as a service within the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), aims to support maritime innovators to turn novel ideas into safe, real-world operations. From autonomy and alternative fuels to digital systems, the hub can act as a guide to navigate the regulatory journey so you can test, validate, deploy and ultimately achieve regulatory approval faster, accelerating the timeline to bring your innovation to market.
To access the latest UK Maritime Innovation Hub updates, resources, and contact information, explore the Hub on GOV.UK.
What the UK Maritime Innovation Hub aims to do
Bridge innovation and regulation
Support maritime innovators to navigate UK and international requirements with a clear, case-managed route to approval, including Alternative Design & Arrangements (ADA) where appropriate.
Support safe deployment
Provide tailored guidance, from prototype to sea trials, on evidence, safety cases and compliance, so concepts generate the necessary data you’ll need for the regulatory process (aligned with MGN 664, MGN 550, and Workboat Code Edition 3).
Champion innovation and sustainability
Support technologies that make shipping safer, smarter and more efficient, driving Net Zero ambitions, boosting economic growth and improving resilience across the maritime sector.
Enhance and explain the UK maritime offer
Position the UK as a place to innovate, operate and scale. We support those already doing business in the UK, our flag customers and those looking for a great place to invest in innovation. We advocate for our industry, and we help signpost wider government support and opportunities.
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Useful Guidance
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Electric
View the MCA customer process for electric as an alternative form of propulsion on GOV.UK
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Hydrogen
View the MCA customer process for hydrogen as an alternative fuel on GOV.UK
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Methanol
View the MCA customer process for methanol as an alternative fuel on GOV.UK
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Ammonia
View the MCA customer process for ammonia as an alternative fuel on GOV.UK
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Why work with us
- Expert regulatory support: Work with a dedicated team that is knowledgeable in the regulatory approval pathways.
- A collaborative ecosystem: Links to industry, academia and government programmes.
- Visibility and influence: Be part of the UK’s innovation journey, as guidance and standards evolve.
- International impact: Inform the UK’s active engagement at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and support the development of shipping's international governance and regulation.
- Commercial awareness: A team that understands our industry and is aware of the economic drivers that impact your business.
- Safety first: Innovation that meets uncompromising safety standards.
Who can benefit from the UK Maritime Innovation Hub
- Ports
- Ship and boat builders
- Shipowners and operators
- Start-ups and scaleups
- Technology providers
- Researchers and investors exploring autonomy, alternative fuels, energy efficiency, smart shipping
Want to join the team?
The UK Maritime Innovation Hub is recruiting specialists to help shape the future of maritime innovation. If you are interested in being part of this exciting journey, make sure to visit Civil Service Jobs for our latest opportunities.
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Contact the team
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You can email the Innovation Hub Team at innovation@mcga.gov.uk
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Sign up for UK Maritime Innovation Hub email updates
Ahead of the launch in April 2026, we’re building the service now. Sign up for email updates by clicking "read more" below to be the first to hear about:
- Developments with the Hub including discovery sessions and webinars
- How to engage with the Hub before its formal launch
- Early guidance notes and support to innovators
- Launch events for the Hub
By signing up you agree to receive updates about the UK Maritime Innovation Hub. You can unsubscribe at any time by emailing innovation@mcga.gov.uk. See our privacy policy for further information.
