We help maritime organisations collaborate confidently with startups and SMEs by prioritising the right ideas, shaping robust business cases, and running de-risked, well-funded pilots informed by trusted industry intelligence. We work with major industry players, in the UK and globally, to accelerate martime autonomy and the transition to clean energy.
For high-potential maritime and freight businesses and SMEs
Have you got an innovative pilot, project or solution?
For maritime, port and logistics operators, infrastructure owners and industry partners
Interested in finding new solutions for transport infrastructure?
Maritime organisations want to digitise, stay competitive, and transition to clean energy, but building robust business cases, choosing the right startups, and running pilots that demonstrate value is difficult with limited time, budget, and expertise.
Through structured pilots in safe testbeds, access to relevant funding, and independent expert support, we turn innovation from a risky side-bet into a practical, evidence-backed route to operational and ESG outcomes. The Catapult is uniquely placed to unite the maritime innovation ecosystem and break down barriers blocking large scale adoption.
Coastal shipping. Shifting freight to coastal shipping to relieve pressure on road networks, reduce emissions, and support regional economic growth.
Navigating regulations. Addressing the regulatory and operational challenges facing UK innovators in the maritime autonomy sector.
Collaborating with the Department for Transport
We work closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) to drive innovation and deliver transformative projects across the UK transport sector. Our partnership enables us to support cutting-edge research, develop new technologies, and create solutions that address the most pressing challenges in transport today.
The Department for Transport (DfT), in partnership with Connected Places Catapult, offers Transport Research and…
It means using smart technology, data and new approaches to make maritime and the wider freight & logistics network safer, more efficient and more sustainable.
We collaborate with maritime & logistics operators, contractors and suppliers on innovation projects, trials, digital solutions and decarbonisation‑focused programmes across the industry. Get in touch
Connected Places Catapult helps connect SMEs and high potential businesses with maritime industry partners, funding opportunities and real‑world trials to test and scale their innovative technologies. Learn more
We are the Department for Transport’s trusted delivery partner for transport innovation projects. On their behalf, we run multiple programmes, trial schemes and pilots to enhance transport efficiency, de-risk new technology and reduce cost. Learn more
We collaborate with the National Shipbuilding Office on projects and research, such as suppoprting Centres of Excellence Task and Finish Group to launch a Centres of Excellence (CoE) Playbook.
Our research and programmes focus on the development of green shipping corridors as well as alternative maritime fuels to support the transition to Net Zero.
