Satellite applications and maritime communities brought together in online event

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been bringing its own expertise to an online event which brought together industry knowhow from across satellite applications and maritime communities.

Helen Croxson, Space Launch Lead working within the MCA’s Maritime Safety and Standards Team, has been taking part in the virtual ‘Satellite Applications for the Future of Our Seas’ group panel this week.

Topics included the MCA’s focus on safety of shipping, navigation and search and rescue through Her Majesty’s Coastguard. Helen also talked about how current and future applications of satellite technology are set to benefit safety at sea, through hydrographic application, oil and gas and offshore energy industries, and data capture.  

The wide-ranging role of the MCA and the UK Ship Register, working to ensure the highest standards of safety for vessels and seafarers working on UK-flagged ships are met, also featured as part of the discussion. 

Helen said: “This event provided an excellent opportunity to link together colleagues from across the space and marine sectors, to find out more about different organisations. It was a good chance to engage and explore a range of important and exciting developments, all of which have the potential to influence the future of the maritime industry in a really positive way.

“The MCA remains committed to being at the forefront of industry-wide change, as part of the Maritime 2050 strategy. We want to do all we can to protect our precious marine environment as well as ensuring the safety of navigation and our search and rescue commitments are maintained and progressed.”

The event was organised by EM3 LEP, Hampshire County Council, South Coast Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications, University of Surrey and Oxford Innovation, as well as being supported by the University of Southampton and the KTN UK.

A link to watch back this event in full will be included as part of this article in due course.

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