Autonomous vessels and alternative fuels were among the key maritime topics being discussed by ship owners, operators and regulators at this year’s UK Flag Forum.

Hosted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency at London’s Queen Elizabeth II Centre on Tuesday 8 July, the event brought key figures from across the global shipping industry together to discuss the UK flag and strengthen its position as a world-leading flag state.

Formally opened by Virginia McVea, CEO of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the UK Flag Forum is a platform for shipowners, operators, regulators and policymakers to share insight and discuss issues and opportunities, including seafarer training, decarbonisation and navigational safety.

Lord Simon Stevens, Chair of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency welcomed the audience before a panel discussion on the Department for Transport’s Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy.

Panellists included Deputy Director of UKSHORE Eamonn Beirne, Senior Sustainability Advisor at British Ports Association Rhona MacDonald, and Philip Fullerton, Managing Director at Northern Marine Group Ltd.

MCA Chief Examiner and Head of Seafarer Technical Delivery Ajit Jacob led the day’s first seminar session on Seafarer Training, with MCA Maritime Autonomy Team Leader Katrina Kemp presenting on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).

MCA’s Acting Director of Technical Operations Prasad Panicker then presented on Approvals for Alternative Fuels.

In the afternoon, MCA Director of Maritime Futures Keith Johnstone focused on Decarbonisation, with Deputy Director of Regulations & Standards Gwilym Stone leading a Near Coastal Workshop.

MCA Assistant Director for UK Technical Services Navigation Richard Bell joined proceedings to discuss Navigational Safety.

MCA Director of UK Customer Maritime Services Lars Lippuner said: “The UK Flag Forum remains a vital platform for shaping the future of the UK maritime sector. By bringing together key stakeholders, we foster collaboration and drive meaningful progress during what is an exciting and pivotal time for our industry.

“Now more than ever, working together is essential, and we look forward to engaging with our customers; listening, discussing, and learning from them on the day.

He added: “As both hosts and speakers, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is proud to provide a platform for open discussion at the UK Flag Forum, with a strong emphasis on upholding the excellence of our world-class flag and the important work it represents.”

The event was then closed with a keynote speech by Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP.