Maritime innovation hub officially opens at Port of Tyne

A new hub dedicated to research and development for the maritime sector has officially opened in South Shields today.

The ‘2050 Innovation Hub’ has been unveiled at the Port of Tyne in partnership with PD Ports, Nissan, Connected Places Catapult, Accenture, Royal HaskoningDHV and Ubisoft to launch the hub.

Officially opened by the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, the hub aims to enable partners to work together, developing solutions to the technological challenges facing the maritime sector and the wider logistics industry on both a national and global scale.

Matt Beeton, Port of Tyne chief executive officer, said: “We’re delighted to launch the UK’s first Innovation Hub and welcome the support of all our partners in driving innovation for the benefit not just of the maritime sector, but also the global logistics and supply chain.

“It’s important that we harness skills and innovation from all industrial sectors to develop our global proposition and enhance our competitiveness.”

Frans Calje, PD Ports chief executive officer, added: “Northern Ports need to collaborate with manufacturers and technology partners to increase their global competiveness and rebalance the economy.

“The 2050 Innovation Hub will enable us to share knowledge and expertise to drive revolutionary change in the maritime industry powered by advancing technologies.”