The role of Freeports in driving the Maritime decarbonisation and innovation agendas

Guest article by Dr Khalid Nur, CEng MIET, Principal Technologist, Catapult Connected Places 

As announced in the 2021 budget, the UK will now have eight new Freeports. To support this key initiative, Connected Places Catapult* has launched the Freeports Playbook, a first step in establishing the fundamentals of Freeport objectives, their global positioning, potential benefits and operational models. The Playbook outlines the initial activities that UK Freeports need to undertake to align their objectives and deliver positive economic, social and environmental impacts.

Freeports as enablers for the decarbonisation agenda

Freeports present a significant opportunity to support the UK’s net zero ambitions, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders including industry, construction, infrastructure, transport and Government to take a full supply chain, systemic approach to decarbonisation and the transition to net zero. Further presenting the potential to stimulate investment in green technologies through the Freeport zones and supporting the development, test and trials of innovative green technologies.

Freeports as catalysts for innovation

The Freeports Playbook highlights that a systems approach to innovation will be vital to the success of the Freeport Innovation Hubs, where innovation in technology and process-related solutions should be driven by genuine challenges, needs and aspirations at the local, regional and national levels. This approach will enable the translation of needs and challenges into clear, impactful requirements and provides a logical, traceable and validated mission focus. Crucially, the definition of each Freeports unique identity and vision will drive the objectives of the innovation hub (for example, Foreign Direct Investment opportunities) and needs to be built on the local strengths, needs and opportunities whilst considering broader regional and national objectives.

Freeports – what’s next?

Careful and detailed planning is required to ensure Freeports deliver on their huge potential, driving collaboration, securing leading positions in global trade and delivering long-term regional and national impact for our economy and communities. In continuing our mission with the UK’s maritime and ports sector, the Connected Places Catapult supported several of the bids as having the potential to be powerful engines of regional growth and impact, developing clusters of innovative and sustainable industries across the UK. With Innovation Hubs at the heart of freeports, this is an immense opportunity to build back better, supporting the growth of new technologies and clean, efficient and resilient supply chains.