From Wind to Hydrogen: Southampton Showcases Maritime Research, Skills and Solutions at LISW2025

From fuel discussions to wind propulsion demonstrations, maritime training showcases and Clean Maritime Day exhibitions, University of Southampton and SMMI colleagues took part in a diverse programme of activity at LISW25.

Colleagues represented the University, sharing research and building connections across the maritime community. Their presence throughout the week reflected the University’s growing role in shaping sustainable shipping, from advancing technical innovation to contributing to national and international policy discussions.

Powering Maritime Innovation

On Tuesday, 16 September, Professor Alan J Murphy delivered a keynote at Powering Maritime Innovation: Towards a UK Research Roadmap, highlighting key UK maritime research challenges and the importance of coordinated innovation. Alan also gave closing remarks as MarRI-UK Academic Chair, stressing the role of international collaboration in supporting the transition to net-zero shipping.

That evening, Professor Mark Spearing , Vice-President of Research and Enterprise, represented the University of Southampton at the Investment Reception hosted by His Majesty’s Government, in partnership with Maritime UK, at Mansion House. The event brought together industry leaders, institutional investors, Government Ministers, and international ambassadors to celebrate the UK maritime sector’s contribution to economic growth.

Hydrogen Fuel for the Maritime Sector

On Wednesday, 17 September, Panos Manias represented the SMMI at MarRI-UK’s event on hydrogen as a clean maritime fuel. Panos explored hydrogen’s potential in decarbonising shipping and enabling next-generation uncrewed systems.

That same day, Panos also joined industry and policy leaders at the ShipZERO30 – HyWindships conference at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Hosted by the Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs), the event focused on real-world progress toward zero-emission shipping, bringing together innovators advancing hydrogen, electrification, and wind propulsion technologies.

Later that evening, Panos and Professor Stephen Turnock represented the University at the Maritime Innovation Networking and Drinks event hosted by ACUA Ocean in partnership with the University of Southampton and MarRI-UK. The gathering at St Katharine Docks showcased ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered autonomous vessel, the USV Pioneer, and offered guests a close-up look at emerging technologies redefining clean, crewless operations at sea.

Solent: A Global Centre for Maritime Training and Skills

Also on 17 September, Maritime Solent hosted the Solent – A Global Centre for Maritime Training and Skills session, attended by Rosemary Nunn, Head of Industry Relations at the University of Southampton. The event highlighted the Solent region’s unique maritime training ecosystem and its collaboration between universities, colleges, and industry.

The launch of the new Solent Prospectus showcased this global leadership in maritime excellence, featuring institutions such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, National Oceanography Centre, Royal Navy, Lloyd’s Register, and the University of Southampton.

Wind Propulsion and Clean Maritime Day

On Wednesday afternoon, Professor Dominic Hudson and Dr Joe Banks attended the Wind Propulsion Session hosted by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and the International Windship Association. With more than 160 delegates, the event underscored the growing momentum behind wind-assisted propulsion and the UK’s leadership in developing the technologies that will drive its adoption across global fleets.

On Thursday, 18 September, SMMI engineers and collaborators showcased the Winds of Change project at Innovate UK’s Clean Maritime Day, as part of the Smart Green Shipping exhibition. Visitors to Stand 11 explored sustainable wind propulsion technologies and engaged with industry leaders on low-carbon shipping innovations. We were pleased to discuss the potential of wind propulsion technology with the new shipping minister, Keir Mather , and to show him our wind tunnel exhibit.

It was good to see the University’s logo on at least two other stands and to talk with all of our industry partners about past and future projects.

The event also highlighted the role of public investment and policy in accelerating the clean maritime transition, with updates from the Department for Transport and Innovate UK on UK SHORE and the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy.

Advanced Fuels and Future Concepts

Throughout LISW25, University of Southampton representatives engaged with sessions on alternative fuels, including focus on ammonia as a marine fuel and the ÆQUORIS roundtable on zero-emission LH2-powered ocean liners. These discussions focused on technical feasibility, regulatory frameworks, and collaboration opportunities for long-range sustainable shipping.

The discussions around hydrogen, ammonia and future vessel concepts underscored a central challenge: how to test and de-risk new fuels and technologies at scale, quickly enough to meet net zero targets. That is precisely the gap the University of Southampton is addressing through its recently announced Centre for Green Maritime Innovation (cGMI). Bringing together industry, regulators and researchers, the cGMI is being established to enable full-scale trials and accelerate the adoption of clean technologies.

By linking technical breakthroughs with real-world deployment, the centre will play a critical role in ensuring the UK can lead the global race to decarbonise shipping - an ambition that ran throughout London International Shipping Week.

Find out more about the University’s plans for the Centre for Green Maritime Innovation in our report from its recent parliamentary launch.

Explore the new Solent Prospectus to see how local maritime skills drive global impact.

Author

Carin Reisinger is the Collaboration and Scientific Communications Manager at the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI), fostering community building, driving collaboration, and showcasing marine and maritime research.