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Maritime innovation

Photograph of Liverpool's skyline taken from the city, looking out across the River Mersey and over to Wirral, with wind turbines in the background

Driving innovation to advance digital maritime technologies, decarbonise ports and shipping, and create a healthier future for all.

Maritime innovation at the University of Liverpool brings together interdisciplinary expertise to transform one of the world’s most vital sectors. Rooted in the strengths of the Liverpool City Region, home to a globally significant £9 billion maritime economy with £3.4 billion in business turnover, we address major industry challenges including decarbonisation, digitalisation and sustainable maritime operations.

From research to real-world impact

The University is a key partner in the transformation of the maritime sector, working closely with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) and Mersey Maritime. Through collaboration with industry, government, and regional initiatives such as HyNet North West and Mersey Tidal Power, we are supporting the shift to cleaner, more efficient maritime systems.

Central to this work is the development of ‘living laboratories’ - real world environments for innovation, skills development, and operational testing - alongside ‘virtual testbeds’ using AI applications, model simulations, visualisation tools and digital twins. Working with ports, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and technology firms, we co-create solutions that accelerate the transition to Net Zero, from clean fuels and digital systems to vessel retrofits and offshore renewable infrastructure, strengthening Liverpool’s position as a trusted hub for cutting-edge maritime research.

Connecting our work across five key areas

Wind turbines on a a coastal area with the sun setting in the background

Clean maritime

Advancing clean fuels, low-carbon technologies, antifouling solutions, and NetZero maritime energy.

A cargo ship at sea with a graphic containing the word

Digital maritime

Driving maritime digitalisation through AI, geospatial data science, digital twins, simulation environments, and autonomous systems.

Birds eye view of a port with lots of colourful shipping containers , cranes and large boats.

Ports, logistics and operations

Improving port performance, supply chain efficiency, and maritime transport planning.

A woman is standing in a coastal area with her eyes closed and arms crossed. She looks as if she is breathing in the clean air.

Air quality, health and sustainable coastal communities

Understanding environmental impacts, supporting coastal communities, and addressing port city health challenges.

A graphic of the earth with a padlock on it

Maritime security

Enabling technologies that support maritime domain awareness, surveillance, and risk assessment, including cybersecurity.

Innovate with us

If you’re interested in learning about the full scope of our work or exploring collaborative opportunities, contact our team.

Maritime-related innovation assets and capabilities

Materials Innovation Factory

Advanced materials development, including antimicrobial materials and solutions for water treatment.

Digital Innovation Facility

Pioneering labs for autonomy, robotics, immersive experiences, virtual reality (VR) engineering, and autonomous chemistry.

Virtual Engineering Centre

Creating digital engineering environments, system simulations, and industry-focused digital adoption platforms for maritime operations.

National Biofilms Innovation Centre

Advancing biofilm research and developing innovative antimicrobial and antifouling coatings.

Centres for Doctorial Training (CDTs)

Coastal wind farm

N0MES – Net Zero Maritime Energy Solutions

Delivering research innovation and developing future leaders through 52 industry-sponsored PhDs focused on renewable energy, environmental impacts, energy systems, and maritime infrastructure.

View of earth from space with countries connected by light lines

Distributed Algorithms

Training 60 PhD students to develop skilled data scientists whose research in high-performance computing and data-driven optimisation enhances defence, security, and advanced manufacturing.

Spotlight case studies

Tanker transporting fossil fuels along waterway, sailing past canal bordered by solar farm.

First national training framework for clean maritime fuels

Leading UK training on low- and zero-emission fuels for the maritime sector.

Image of a port with overlay graphics symbolising the power grid.

Turning the Liverpool–Belfast green shipping corridor into reality

Supporting sustainable shipping with low-carbon innovation across the Liverpool–Belfast route.

Global Logistics international delivery concept, World map logistic and supply chain network distribution container Ship running for export import to customs ocean concept technology transportation

Using data to TRACK, ANALYSE and PREDICT global maritime movement

Harnessing AI and analytics to monitor and predict global maritime vessel movements. (PDF, 810 KB)

Latest news and updates

Recent news and updates on maritime innovation from the University of Liverpool.