Maritime Innovation Week 2025

18-20th November 2025

Newcastle and London, UK

Hitachi was proud to return as a sponsor for Maritime Innovation Week for the second consecutive year. The event brought together some of the world's most forward-thinking ports and maritime leaders alongside experts from government, technology, energy, and investment. Together, they explored how the next decade of maritime innovation will take shape.

Across the week, discussions centered on a shared ambition: building smart, sustainable ports of the future. Key themes included the transition to cleaner marine fuels, the adoption of shore power, and the digital technologies unlocking more efficient and resilient port operations. Hitachi was pleased to contribute to these conversations, sharing how collaboration between port operators and technology partners can help define viable pathways to 2030 and beyond.

The event focused on the skills, infrastructure and innovation required to ensure ports become cleaner, smarter, and more connected

Day 1 - Port of the Future: Skills Blueprint 2026 - 2035
Day 2 - Shaping the Maritime Masterplan 2026 - 2035
Day 3 - Innovation in Action

Decarbonizing the Maritime Sector

Building on our success in rail, road, and HGV fleet electrification, Hitachi are extending our expertise to marine transport. We understand the complex challenges of maritime decarbonization and are committed to driving sustainable change across the sector, leveraging our experience across energy and digital technologies.

95% of global trade moved through 5 ports

Ports are critical to the global economy but are often overlooked. Decarbonizing the maritime sector is essential for a sustainable future and economy.

By 2030, docked ships will need to connect to the grid

All vessels in port will need to connect directly to the grid instead of running engines while docked, creating the energy demand equivalent to a small town. Hitachi's operational technology and digital expertise can make this transition possible.

Alternative fuels are key to reducing emissions

Together with our partners, we are exploring E-fuels as viable, low carbon solutions for ports.

Our Partnership with the Port of Tyne

Hitachi has a long-standing relationship with the Port of Tyne, dating back to the early 2010s when we began shipping train components from our Newton Aycliffe factory. Over the past 15 months, this partnership has evolved into a strategic collaboration focused on two critical areas: digitizing port logistics and supply chains, and decarbonizing marine transportation.

Since Maritime Innovation Week, we have signed a MoU with the North East Combined Authority and Port of Tyne on a vision to develop a "Smart Port of the Future" centered on a clean e-fuels hub. The partnership will assess on-site e-fuel production to support maritime decarbonization and regional economic growth, while also collaborating on innovation, digital transformation, clean energy infrastructure and skills development.