On 19 March 2025, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) organised a conference in London, themed “From Analysis to Policy Insight.” This event brought together social researchers in the department, communication experts, and academics to discuss how to communicate analysis so that it can impact upon policy thinking, improving outcomes for all.

Dr. Ioannis Moutzouris represented Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London and the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub’s in his academic capacity, delivering a presentation on the work conducted.

Dr. Moutzouris highlighted the Hub’s ongoing efforts to accelerate maritime decarbonization with his teams research on the “Determinants of the Price Premium for Eco Vessels”. This study, conducted by Dr. Moutzouris and his colleagues, quantified the price premium paid for eco-friendly vessels and examined the factors influencing this premium. Providing a thematic example of “From Analysis to Policy Insight”, this work subsequently informed the production of the Hub’s first policy bulletin “Policy Bulletin 001: Eco-ship investment and price differentials”, created in collaboration with Dr. Claire Copeland, the UK-MaRes Hub’s policy fellow.

In our policy bulletin, the in-depth research findings on price premium drivers are digested into direct policy recommendations, calling for clarity, and encouraging investment in eco-ships whilst recommending levies to discourage reliance on carbon-intensive fuels. This bulletin serves as a valuable resource for policymakers aiming to create a more sustainable maritime industry.

By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the analytical community at DBT can create a more informed and effective policy environment, contributing to the UK’s economic growth and development.

We would like to extend our gratitude to DBT for providing an opportunity for the valuable work of Ioannis Moutzouris and his team, Claire Copeland (policy fellow) and the wider work of the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub to be showcased.

For more information about the Department for Business and Trade you can visit their official page.

If you wish to connect with Claire Copeland or Ioannis Moutzouris, please consider attending our Clean Maritime Assembly 2025, or complete our contact form.

On 16 January 2025, Dr Ioannis Moutzouris, UK MaRes Hub consortium member and theme lead spoke at the Second International Conference on the Climate-Macro-Finance Interface (2CMFI): “New Environmental Challenges for Fiscal, Monetary, and Macroprudential Policy” that took place at Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London.

During the conference, Ioannis presented a paper informed by the current research he is undertaking as a member of the UK MaRes Hub. The paper presented was titled: “The Economics of Shipping Decarbonisation: Carbon, Production, Cost, and Allocative Efficiencies”, authored by Dr Yao Shi and himself.

Further information on the event can be found here: The Rimini Centre for Economic Analysis – New Environmental Challenges for Fiscal, Monetary, Macroprudential Policy 

The material forming Ioannis’ presentation, and that of other speakers can be found under the meetings programme notes and index of sessions: The Second International Conference on the Climate-Macro-Finance Interface: New Environmental Challenges for Monetary, Fiscal, and Macroprudential Policy

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Martin Smith, of St. Andrews University, a member of the UK MaRes Hub will be presenting at AMMONIA: AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL FOR CLEAN MARITIME POWER, taking place on Friday 22 Nov 2024 11:15 – 15:00 GMT at UHI House, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3JH

This event will delve into the innovative use of ammonia as a sustainable fuel alternative to transform maritime power. It brings together industry leaders, researchers, and technology innovators dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions in the maritime sector.

By focusing on ammonia and hydrogen fuel cell systems, this gathering will provide a comprehensive view of the latest breakthroughs and the potential these fuels hold for the future of clean maritime power.

For further information on this event, and registration please see: Flyer for Ammonia An alternative Fuel for Clean Maritime Power Event

The UK-MaRes Hub is proud to be contributing to #OceansOfOpportunity, a digital series from the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) and Content with Purpose. This documentary will explore the vital work of marine professionals, highlighting how their knowledge, skills, and innovations are advancing the blue economy, while safeguarding the ocean and its precious ecosystem.  IMarEST has partnered with Content With Purpose to launch ‘Oceans of Opportunity: A Change of Tide’, a pioneering digital series that underscores the marine industry’s role in addressing sustainability challenges and improving ocean health.

As part of the series, UK-MaRes Hub features in a short documentary and thought leadership interview to showcase the research going on across the Hub and features some of our world-class research facilities. These include Newcastle University’s Cavitation Tunnel at the Port of Blyth and their Hydrolab in the Armstrong Building, Newcastle.

Prof Ying Xie (Cranfield University), Dr Serkan Turkmen (Newcastle University) and Dr Janie Ling-Chin and Prof Tony Roskilly (Durham University), leverage their research expertise to provide valuable insights into UK-MaRes Hub’s work. Their focus is on the scale-up and safety of alternative fuels, the adaptation of ship designs to accommodate these new fuels, the unique role ports play in the decarbonisation of the sector and the need for stakeholders and policymakers to collaborate to ensure real-world impact. Visit our YouTube channel to watch the videos.

Special thanks to the Port of Tyne and Port of Blyth for allowing us to film on site.

The series previewed on 28th November at IMarEST’s Sir Stanley Gray Lecture at Queen Mary University of London.

To explore the full series and contributors please visit OceansOfOpportunity.

The Costas Grammenos Centre for Shipping, Trade and Finance celebrated it’s 40th anniversary, and 5th triennial meeting in Athens, themed around “Industry challenges: A global perspective from Athens”. 

Dr Ioannis Moutzouris, of Bayes business school, member of the UK National Clean Maritime Research Consortium (theme lead for operations, exploitation of digitalisation and green shipping) provided a presentation entitled “Shipping Sustainability: Economic & Financial Perspectives”, to an audience of excellent peers and panellists.

This presentation highlighted the UK MaRes Hub, related research at Bayes, and the findings from his recent paper: “Determinants of the price premium for eco vessels”. 

Further information on this event can be found on: 5th Athens Triennial Meeting | Bayes Business School (city.ac.uk)

At the heart of the UK-MaRes Hub’s programme of activity is a commitment to work closely with civic bodies and policymakers to drive forward meaningful change for the sector. To enable the research being undertaken by the Hub to connect with key stakeholders, we’re delighted to have appointed Dr Claire Copeland as the Hub’s Policy Fellow.

Claire brings wide ranging experience to the Hub and has previously undertaken research for the Centre of Energy Integration Systems (CESI) and Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS) programmes. She has previously secured a research fellowship for the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and for several years supported academics with policy impact from their research in the Policy@Sussex initiative.

Claire has a PhD in Science and Technology Policy Studies from the University of Sussex exploring the development of exploratory energy futures on subnational scales. Prior to this she has an MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of Surrey.

Recently Claire has undertaken research on regional decarbonisation for the Durham Energy Institute in partnership with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, and supported local SMEs under the Arrow Innovation programme helping progress innovative business initiatives.

Claire says about the role: “I am thrilled to join UK-MaRes working on knowledge exchange and mobilisation between the Hub and policy. With 95% of goods arriving in the UK by ship among many other important functions, decarbonisation of this sector plays an important role in fighting climate change.”

Claire will be working with the Hub’s Co-Director, Prof Patricia Thornley (Aston University) and lead of the Clean Maritime Research Policy Unit, to ensure that the key messages from our research reach the right audiences, providing policymakers with access to relevant research expertise.

The Hub has been working with the Department for Transport (DfT) on identifying opportunities to achieve short-term greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the maritime sector and provided evidence as part of the recent IMO Negotiations.

Lifecycle Analysis experts from the Hub are also part of the UN’s Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP).

The UK-MaRes Hub was proud to be represented at Posidonia 2024, held in Athens, Greece, from July 3rd to 7th. This prestigious event provided an invaluable platform for the Hub to showcase its ground-breaking research and initiatives aimed at decarbonising the maritime sector.

We extend our gratitude to HELMEPA, one of our project partners and Dr Ioannis Moutzouris (City University, London) for their support and facilitation, which made our presence at Posidonia possible. Their efforts were instrumental in enabling us to connect with new key stakeholders and industry leaders.

Posidonia 2024 was a remarkable event, featuring 2,038 exhibitors and attracting 32,527 visitors from 138 countries. This diverse and extensive participation underscores the global significance of maritime innovation and the collective effort required to address environmental challenges.

The UK-MaRes Hub is committed to driving forward the agenda for a sustainable maritime future. Our involvement in Posidonia 2024 has further strengthened our resolve to help the maritime industry achieve net zero emissions in the UK and beyond.

You may be interested to know a bit more about UK-MaRes Hub’s logo.

The Hub worked with KitStudio to establish its identity to reflect a need for change for the sector. Taking inspiration from maritime signal flags which are used to convey important messages that transcend language barriers, and traditional crests and heraldry, our logo was born. The distinctive design features signal flag icons relating to ‘danger ahead’ and ‘change course,’ symbolising the threats posed by maritime emissions and the urgent need for a new direction to achieve net zero goals.

The custom colour palette reflects a ‘fresh approach’ to maritime decarbonisation featuring bright, vivid shades of ‘Bright Horizon’ blue and ‘Dazzle Ship’ yellow. These are partnered with 3 other shades of blue with topical names such as ‘Deep Ocean’ navy, ‘Sea Glass’ turquoise and ‘Sea Mist’ blue, with the palest colour in the palette being a very pale grey called ‘Sea Foam’ white.

If you wish to use any of UK-MaRes Hub’s marketing assets, please contact:  admin.clean-maritime-research-hub@durham.ac.uk