Maritime UK Solent gears up for online marine sustainability event with Canadian counterparts

Maritime industry leaders from across the UK’s South Coast and from Halifax, Nova Scotia will take part in an online event next week.

Following a successful inaugural event with their Canadian counterparts earlier this year, Maritime UK Solent is looking to strengthen ties with this latest meeting on the topic of ‘Exploring International Maritime Collaboration: Greening Your Marine Operations’.

Anne-Marie Mountifield, chair of Maritime UK Solent, said: “This event will allow key industry leaders from the UK and Canada’s major maritime clusters to foster investment, strengthen supply chains and promote business-to-business collaboration.

“With the maritime sector under growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, it’s more important than ever to discuss innovative solutions and strategies to support sustainability.”

Christopher Bourque, executive director at Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia (OTCNS), added: “OTCNS is very pleased to be a partner in this initiative, which is enhancing business to business relationships between the Solent area in the UK and our region in Nova Scotia.”

Expert speakers from the UK and Canada will discuss innovations in marine sustainability, and businesses will be encouraged to collaborate on green initiatives – with a special focus on fostering ties between the Solent and Halifax.

Speakers from the Solent include Lisa Hammock, head of climate change and sustainability at the Royal Navy; Charlie Field, head of engineering and estates at Wightlink; and Eugene Bari, CEO of Ecomar Propulsion.

From Nova Scotia, there’s Nicholas LaValle, founder and CEO of Clean Valley; James MacDonald, founder and CEO of GreenEarth Technologies; and Dr Jeyan Sreekumar, president of Hexsor Scientific Canada Inc.

Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “This online conference is a fantastic opportunity for our marine and maritime businesses to connect with their counterparts in Portsmouth’s sister city Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“The potential for collaboration on cutting-edge solutions for marine sustainability is immense.

“By sharing latest ideas, best practice and fostering new partnerships, we can not only contribute to a greener future, but also unlock economic growth for Portsmouth and the region.

“I encourage our maritime businesses to participate in this event and explore the possibilities.”

The event takes place on Tuesday 19 November.

• For more information and to register, visit the Maritime UK Solent site.