The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has launched a nationwide compliance exercise aimed at reinforcing safety standards across ports and marine facilities. The MCA has also confirmed senior board appointments and set out new research priorities. Together, the announcements underline the agency’s focus on embedding best practice, strengthening governance, and supporting innovation across the maritime sector.
There is a raft of initiatives and announcements from the MCA to start the year. They include encouraging proportional alignment with the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code to welcoming experienced non-executive directors and publishing its Areas of Research Interest. The measures are intended to build trust with stakeholders, improve operational resilience, and ensure the UK maritime system remains safe, competitive and forward-looking.
Ports and marine facilities compliance drive
A new compliance exercise covering ports and marine facilities across the UK was launched by the MCA on 1 January. The effort is centred on the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code (PMSC). The code underpins safe and efficient maritime operations, providing a common framework for managing risks to people, vessels, cargo and the environment. Facilities of all sizes are being encouraged to review and assess how they align with its principles.
Although compliance with the PMSC is not a legal requirement, the MCA says participation demonstrates professionalism and accountability. Facilities, such as ports, that engage are expected to strengthen confidence among shipping companies, regulators and local communities, while contributing to a shared standard of excellence across the sector. The invitation to demonstrate compliance will remain live on the official website, GOV.UK, for three months, closing on 31 March 2026. Meanwhile, the MCA will continue in its remit of supporting the industry and partaking in safety investigations, such as the collision in the Humber last year.
Embedding a culture of safety
Interim MCA Ports and Vessel Traffic Service Manager Keeta Rowlands described the exercise as an opportunity rather than an inspection-led process.“This compliance exercise is a proactive opportunity for all ports and marine facilities to review, assess, and demonstrate proportional alignment with the Code,” she said. “It’s not just about meeting standards, it’s about embedding a culture of safety and continuous improvement across the sector.”
Rowlands stressed that participation matters regardless of scale. “Whether you’re a major international gateway, leisure harbour or small marina, your participation matters,” she said. The MCA hopes the exercise will encourage consistent risk management approaches, while allowing facilities to demonstrate how they apply the code in ways that reflect their size, complexity and local operating conditions.
New non-executive directors appointed
Alongside the compliance announcement, the MCA confirmed the appointment of three new non-executive directors, effective from 1 January. They are Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, outgoing Second Sea Lord in the Royal Navy; Britt Pickering of the Shipowners Protection and Indemnity Club; and Kevin Daffey of Rolls-Royce, who is also chairman of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.
The non-executive directors will join the MCA Board to provide challenge and support, overseeing strategy and operational performance across the agency’s wide-ranging responsibilities. These include running HM Coastguard, regulating shipping, overseeing seafarer training, and protecting the maritime environment. The appointments bring experience spanning defence, insurance, engineering and international maritime governance.
Research priorities and emerging technologies
The MCA has also published a new list of Areas of Research Interest (ARI). It’s the first time the agency has formally set out the issues and questions it believes will most enhance its regulatory mission. The ARI is intended to guide maritime researchers, businesses and wider government towards areas where evidence and insight can inform future policy, particularly in relation to emerging technologies and operational change.
Key themes include alternative fuels, maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), and the safety, welfare and skills of seafarers. Within the ARI’s non-exhaustive scope are topics such as decarbonisation, counter-pollution, autonomy and digital transformation, vessel construction, incident response, trade, seafarers and associated professions, and regulatory improvement. By sharing these priorities, the MCA aims to build a knowledge network that supports informed regulation and a safer, more sustainable maritime sector. “By publishing our Areas of Research Interest, we intend to offer not just guidance on direction, but to establish an ongoing conversation across the UK’s maritime industry,” said Lars Lippuner, Director of UK Customer Maritime Services. “The aim is to expand expertise and commercial advantage to grow jobs and the economy.”