Maritime UK Solent looks back on 'fantastic' 2023

The organisation has spent the past 12 months delivering a raft of high-profile initiatives and events to support the area's maritime  sector.

Launched in 2019, Maritime UK Solent is an industry-led body that aims to promote the Solent across the globe.

2023 has been a fantastic year for Maritime UK Solent, which promotes the area nationally and internationally (Image: Bex Saunders)

The chairman, Anne-Marie Mountifield, said: "We are proud to look back at the fantastic achievements over the past year, and how we've raised the profile of the Solent's thriving maritime cluster on the regional, national, and international stage.

“We will continue to champion our region's exceptional maritime industry."

The Solent area boasts 340 miles of coastline and two international ports- Southampton and Portsmouth - as well as world-class research and training institutions and a rich maritime heritage.

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Throughout 2023 Maritime UK Solent has successfully worked with government bodies and represented the area at national and international events.

2023 has been a fantastic year for Maritime UK Solent, which promotes the area nationally and internationally (Image: DP World)

The team championed the region during a trip to Nova Scotia, hosted a visit by members of the US Government Maritime Administration, and supported a trade visit by government officials from Indonesia.

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More than 160 teenagers learned about career options in the maritime industry when they visited the organisation's careers open day at Seawork in Southampton.

Students met professionals working in the commercial marine sector and gained valuable insight into the industry and the range of jobs available.

Maritime experts from the Department for Transport (DfT) met some of the Solent’s maritime business leaders on a fact-finding visit organised by Maritime UK Solent on the Isle of Wight.

2023 has been a fantastic year for Maritime UK Solent, which promotes the area nationally and internationally (Image: Sarah Baylis)

Marine industry representatives learned about the extra support the government could offer to strengthen the Solent's maritime sector and help it grow and innovate.

The organisation also stepped into the spotlight at the UK’s biggest maritime event, London International Shipping Week.

October saw the prestigious Maritime UK Solent Awards 2023, which highlighted the success, creativity, and innovation being achieved in the region’s marine industry.

Ms Mountifield said: "The awards celebrated the very best this incredible regional sector has to offer.

"This past year has been exceptionally successful for the maritime organisations that we are proud to champion.

"The awards ceremony provided them with a platform, acknowledging their remarkable achievements and the incredible talent in the Solent's maritime cluster."