Development of Regulatory Frameworks to Support Maritime Innovation

2.1 This project seeks to develop an evidence-based framework for testing prototype vessels with novel clean propulsion systems, through a partnership of regulators (Maritime and Coastguard Agency, MCA), innovators and local authorities. The project is led by Plymouth City Council (PCC), with the Centre for Future Clean Mobility at the University of Exeter leading the project aspects on clean propulsion. Other partners are University of Plymouth (UoP) and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML).

The project requires a specialist consultant to engage with MCA, to help draft new regulations, in partnership with MCA, for prototype vessels testing clean propulsion systems at sea, to investigate approaches used by other nations' regulators, and to liaise with a user group of UK stakeholders (much of which is already formed). All of this will be in partnership with CFCM.