Maritime & Marine
Published: February 14, 2025 | Updated: 14th February 2025
Maritime UK Solent is soon to host the first ever Coastal Powerhouse Conference, set to take place this March at the Ocean Cruise Terminal in Southampton.
The conference will feature a keynote address from Mike Kane MP – minister for aviation, maritime and security – setting the stage for a series of high-profile discussions and presentations, seminars, exhibitions, panel sessions and networking opportunities.
Stuart Baker, managing director of Maritime UK Solent, said: “The area has seen nothing like this before – a celebration of the breadth of world-leading excellence across the maritime sector, which is so interwoven in the area’s history, culture and communities.
“This exciting event illustrates how the Solent is at the forefront of global maritime and reflects the region’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the maritime sector.
“We’re delighted to welcome a range of high-profile speakers and offer some innovative events and demonstrations which will showcase the depth and breadth of the Solent’s successful and forward-thinking maritime sector, its commitment to sustainability and dedication to nurturing a talented and diverse workforce for the future.
“By bringing together industry leaders, innovators and policymakers, we’re ensuring that our region remains a world leader in maritime decarbonisation and innovation.”
Day 1 of the event will focus on maritime sustainability, with speakers including Mike Kane MP, Alastair Welch (port director at Associated British Ports, ABP), Chris Shirling-Rooke (chief executive of Maritime UK), and Anne-Marie Mountifield (chair of Maritime UK Solent).
There’ll be panel discussions on port sustainability, seminars on clean maritime, and sessions highlighting Southampton’s key role in the UK’s energy transition.
Day 2 will focus on maritime futures, with talks on mentoring and apprenticeships – featuring Maritime UK Solent’s apprentice of the year, Noorhantosha Al-Sharrai – as well as on-the-water tech demonstrations and insights on funding opportunities.
MUK Solent is also set to officially launch its Future Leaders programme, helping young professionals in the sector broaden their career horizons.
Alastair Welch, regional director at ABP, added: “We’re delighted to support the first Maritime UK Solent Coastal Powerhouse Conference.
“We’re proud to be hosting this event in the Port of Southampton, the UK’s trade gateway to the world, where the whole port community is working towards net zero.
“In our ever-changing world, it’s never been more important to work together on solutions for maritime decarbonisation.
“We look forward to hearing from emerging companies showcasing their innovative projects throughout the two-day conference.”
Exhibition space and site visits will be available on both days.
Early bird ticket prices are available until 7 March. Maritime UK Solent’s strategic partners will receive three complimentary tickets, partners will receive two and launchpad partners will receive one complimentary ticket for the summit.
For information on sponsorship and exhibition space, get in touch at [email protected]
