A new partnership in Southampton aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the local maritime industry. On 15 April 2026, the organisation Maritime Solent signed the Southampton Solent University Civic Charter, marking a commitment to boost local skills and training.
The agreement was finalised at the Maritime Solent Summit held at Portsmouth International Port. The event brought together more than 300 industry leaders, academic experts, and policymakers to discuss the future of the region’s maritime sector, which currently supports approximately 138,000 jobs and contributes £10.3 billion in economic value.
By signing the charter, Maritime Solent joins other local partners including Southampton City Council, Southampton Football Club, and the Solent Growth Partnership. The partnership promises to put industry voices at the centre of university decision-making through specialised boards covering sectors such as maritime, law, business, and technology.
This collaboration will build on the work of the university’s Warsash Maritime School, which has a history spanning over 70 years of training seafarers and officers. Chief Executive of Maritime Solent, Stuart Baker, signed the charter alongside the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Knowles, to ensure that future training remains practical and closely aligned with the needs of the global maritime market.
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