Wednesday, 12th June
Propeller Club Liverpool is delighted to celebrate the success of a groundbreaking partnership that has introduced Merseyside students to the vast opportunities in maritime decarbonisation. This innovative project has garnered enthusiastic support from maritime industry and academic leaders across Merseyside.
The ‘Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures’ project, spearheaded by the outreach team of Liverpool’s historic steam tug, The Daniel Adamson—affectionately known as The Danny—brought together local maritime businesses and academics with students from colleges and universities in the area.
Throughout an academic year, this project contrasted Merseyside’s rich maritime heritage with its promising future, providing B-tech and foundation engineering students with invaluable insights into the maritime sector’s transition to Net Zero by 2050. This initiative highlighted the sector’s challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the exciting career pathways available locally.
Given that the maritime sector accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is committed to legally binding emissions targets set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the project was both timely and essential. The IMO aims for a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2050.
Using The Danny as their starting point, students explored the evolution of vessel propulsion over the last 120 years, from coal-powered engines to modern innovations. Supported by industry experts, they gained hands-on experience with Svitzer’s low emissions vessel Trident and received a masterclass from the team behind the RSS David Attenborough at Cammell Laird. Insights from engineers at Peel Ports, the Canal and River Trust, and Safeguard Engineering further enriched their learning.
The project included a comprehensive program of shipyard and port visits, masterclasses, vessel tours, and lectures. It culminated in a dynamic showcase and careers event at Liverpool’s Maritime Museum on June 6th. Engineering students from Hugh Baird College, Cronton and Riverside College, and Liverpool John Moores University presented pitches on decarbonisation and future vessel design. Business students proposed campaigns to raise awareness about Merseyside’s maritime sector’s history, ecology, and job opportunities. Expert industry panels provided feedback on their ideas’ viability and potential.
Ruth Wood, chief executive of Mersey Maritime, a project partner, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “The maritime sector’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050 is driving significant growth. Liverpool City Region’s maritime economy, worth over £5bn annually, offers enormous opportunities to students exploring their career and academic options. The Maritime Heritage Maritime Futures project has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for many exciting and rewarding career pathways.”
Dr. Charuni Dissanayaka, STEM Technical Level Lead at Hugh Baird College, praised the project’s impact: “The Danny’s innovative approach to hands-on learning and high-level mentoring has introduced our students to invaluable experiences, people, and insights. This project has sparked their enthusiasm and curiosity about decarbonisation.”
Businesses supporting the project include Mersey Maritime, Peel Ports, Svitzer, Maersk, Cammell Laird, Safeguard Engineering, the Canal and River Trust, Liverpool John Moores University, National Museums Liverpool, Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust (MAST), and Fleetwood Nautical College.
Cathriona Bourke, Learning and Participation Manager for The Danny, highlighted the project’s goal: “Decarbonisation is vital for the future of today’s young people, and we are proud to help reignite their connection to the maritime industry. Our ambition is to grow this program, involving more young people, colleges, and industry partners.”
The Danny plans to continue the Maritime Heritage Maritime Futures project in the 2024–2025 academic year. Colleges and businesses interested in participating can contact Cathriona.Bourke@danieladamson.co.uk for more details. The Maritime Heritage Maritime Futures project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Propeller Club Liverpool looks forward to witnessing the ongoing success and expansion of this invaluable program, fostering the next generation of maritime leaders and innovators.
