1st of October 2025 - 15th of February 2026
This project aims to support small and medium-sized maritime businesses in the Liverpool City Region as they navigate the challenges of decarbonisation. Many of these companies lack the tools to assess the risks and benefits of investing in new, low-carbon technologies. We will develop a simple, user-friendly decision support tool to help businesses evaluate potential decarbonisation investments based on their operational risk profiles. The tool will be co-designed with local stakeholders to ensure it meets real business needs. A stakeholder workshop and market testing will help refine the prototype and gather feedback. The outcome will be a practical, regionally relevant tool that supports greener investment decisions and strengthens collaboration between universities and local industry, contributing to Liverpool’s maritime net zero ambitions.
Identify common decarbonisation technologies and strategies applicable to local maritime SMEs
Quantify key risks (financial, technical, operational) and expected ROI for each
Develop an easy-to-use risk-based assessment tool
Engage local SMEs and stakeholders in co-design through workshops and feedback sessions
Produce a guidance report and host a dissemination event
Level 1 in MaLaMi (£6000).
A functional prototype decision-support tool tailored to LCR maritime SMEs
Strengthened relationships with regional stakeholders including Mersey Maritime and LCR Freeport
A case study report that can inform future policy or investment frameworks
Potential for new IP generation around risk modelling methodologies
Enhanced impact culture through public engagement, SME co-creation, and regional cluster development
We are looking for industry partners to apply for MaLaMi Round 2:
•Theme: Green Shipping Corridor
•Deadline: 26 Feb 2026
•Level 2: £20k with 20% external match
•Level 3: £40k with 30-50% external match
As well as other possible collaborations (e.g., UKRI, CMDC7, Horizon-Europe, etc.)