City of Glasgow College and Maritime UK will showcase green technology, innovation and capabilities from across the UK maritime sector at an International Maritime Hub during COP26.

The college’s Riverside campus, on the banks of the River Clyde, will host the Hub which will be the location for a number of different events highlighting UK maritime expertise within areas such as technology, policy, regulation, education and training.

COP26 provides a historic opportunity for the UK to demonstrate international leadership in its efforts to tackle climate change. With the decarbonisation of the global maritime sector a necessary step to reaching net zero targets, the Hub aims to display the sector’s capabilities to world leaders and advance the conversation around green growth.

It is a chance for the global maritime sector to come together to discuss the shared response to the climate mission. It’s also an opportunity to show UK decision-makers the central role that maritime can play in decarbonising the economy, while adding value and creating well-paid jobs in coastal towns and cities across the country.

Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Glasgow College said:

“As one of the leading maritime institutions across the globe, we are delighted to be working in partnership with Maritime UK to formally launch our International Maritime Hub at our Riverside campus in Glasgow.

“As this great city prepares to host COP26, when world leaders meet and agree on tackling climate change, we will be showcasing the latest technologies and innovation that the maritime sector has to offer.”

Sarah Kenny, Chair of Maritime UK said:

“In partnership with City of Glasgow College, we are aiming to put our industry where it belongs – at the top of the world stage for green innovation.

“At the perfectly located Riverside campus, we will create a hub of maritime activity to showcase our progress to net zero, and to advance the agenda at COP26 on what the global industry needs to go the full distance.

“Tackling the climate crisis remains an enormous challenge and it can’t be done without decarbonising maritime. We are ready to play our part, but making climate targets a reality will require significant cross-industry and government collaboration.”

The decarbonisation of the maritime sector is crucial to reaching net zero goals. While transporting goods by sea is by far the most carbon efficient mode of transport, the sheer volume of traffic means shipping and its associated activity still accounts for between 2-3% of global emissions. The UK maritime sector is worth £46.1bn to the UK economy every year, making it a greater contributor than air and rail combined.

COP26 offers the chance to showcase the progress to net zero in the maritime sector and advance discussions on how industry and governments can collaborate to overcome challenges. This will be done through the demonstration of new technology and by hosting discussions on green growth and skills, regional capabilities, innovation, and the ways in which the move towards net zero can be used as a way to increase UK competitiveness in the global maritime market.

Maritime UK is the umbrella body for the maritime sector. It represents the interests of shipping, ports, engineering and marine science, professional services, and leisure marine industries through a diverse membership.

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) takes place in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November 2021.