Page 40: of Marine Technology Magazine (Sep/Oct 2026)

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships

MTR 100 arine technology advances driven by rapid of the MCA in the past as an organization that may have innovation represent commercial and sci- been known to say, "no," to yes. If you can give us the enti? c opportunities, but also an evolv- safety information, if you can give us an understanding ing oversight challenge for regulators that of why you believe that you're going to be safe, we will

M must ? nd a balance between progress, look at it in a proper and clear way. That was the bigger safety and international guideline compliance. For the thing that we took into this," he explained. This change

United Kingdom, this responsibility falls to the Maritime in mindset is supported by the teams that make up the and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which has created the UKMIH, which bring together industry, civil service and

UK Maritime Innovation Hub (UKMIH), a function de- consultancy experience to provide increased engagement signed to bring innovators and regulators together early and accessibility.

in the development process.

Early engagement

The UKMIH covers four areas, including decarboniza- tion, Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), digi- Regulatory accessibility for innovators isn't new to the tization and digital systems, as well as nuclear propulsion. MCA, Slater emphasized, but how the organization en-

Near the top sits Jonty Slater, assistant director at the gages with industry has changed. "Previously, the MCA

UKMIH, who started his role 10 months ago alongside would have waited for industry to come to it with a the program itself, with the goal of improving regulatory design at a later stage and say, 'OK, now regulate me.' accessibility and collaboration. Instead, we have gone out and said, 'We are here to en- "I think the key part is how can we move the perception gage early.'" 40 September/October 2026

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