LJMU signs MOU with Mersey Maritime

Liverpool John Moores University and Mersey Maritime have signed a ground breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will further enhance the close partnership between the two organisations to benefit the maritime sector as a whole.

The MoU will formalise a strategic agreement with the aim of sharing the knowledge and experience of both private and public sectors to access a variety of funding streams to finance maritime projects within the UK and EU.

Close attention will be paid to helping bridge the skills shortage in the maritime industry by developing closer links with maritime cluster organisations representing businesses and universities throughout Europe. 

Maritime SMEs will have access to LJMU’s facilities including state of the art R&D laboratories and testing facilities to aid UK maritime businesses to compete on a global scale. 

Resources such as intellectual property advice, training for crew and key statistical data will be available for the benefit of the industry and in the longer term links will be developed with Atlantic maritime companies and associations to further global trade.

Chris Shirling-Rooke, Mersey Maritime’s Acting CEO, said: “I am really excited by this new development and look forward to working even more closely with the team at Liverpool John Moores University. Helping to create strong alliances with maritime businesses, training centres and universities across the UK and the EU is key to furthering the cause of our industry.”

Professor Ahmed Al-Shamma'a, LJMU, Executive Dean, Faculty of Technology and Environment added:  “I am truly delighted to forge such a pioneering partnership with Mersey Maritime and its members. This partnership cements our heritage as one of the oldest Nautical Institutions in the UK.

“LJMU has served the sector with innovative use of technology since 1892 and is committed to field work in generating state-of-the-art facilities for training, teaching and research. This embraces the enterprising culture of the University, which plays a key role in our civic and regional leadership.”

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For Further Information Please Contact:

Phil Page, Elaborate Communications                                                            Tel: +44 (0) 1296 682104

Notes to Editors:

Mersey Maritime Limited

Mersey Maritime is the private-public sector partnership that represents the interests of the shipping, ports and logistics sector on Merseyside, including improvements to the movement of freight across the region. It represents the interests of a cluster of 1700 businesses employing 28,000 people, with a combined turnover of £2.6bn. The organisation receives funding via the European Regional Development Fund (see below), matched by private sector income raised through membership, events and consultancy services. www.merseymaritime.co.uk 

The European Regional Development Fund

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is making a real difference to people and businesses in the North West. The Current ERDF programme, which is worth €755 million, is enhancing the competitiveness of the region’s economy by supporting growth in enterprise and employment. ERDF is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. ERDF’s Maritime Sector Development Programme has been extended to 2015. It aims to support productivity, business growth and job creation among small to medium sized enterprises on Merseyside, helping to enhance the competitiveness of the sub-region both nationally and internationally. For further information please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/business/funding-debt/european-regional-development-funding