On 11th April 2024, Maritime UK was delighted to support the launch of the Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore Cluster Network (NIMO). The launch event, which was attended by Maritime UK’s patron, Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal, marked a momentous occasion for not only NIMO, but for the whole maritime industry across the United Kingdom (UK).
Patron of Maritime UK, Her Royal Highness, spoke to over one hundred industry professionals, including representatives of port operators, shipping lines, maritime professional services, construction and engineering companies.
Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore Network (NIMO)
NIMO is supported by Invest Northern Ireland through its Collaborative Growth Programme
Her Royal Highness congratulated NIMO on the launch of their network, and discussed the importance of Maritime UK continuing to support collaboration and in particular the development of regional clusters. The Princess Royal, explained the critical need for a skilled workforce to navigate the complexities of the sector and drive sustainable growth.
NIMO brings together the entire maritime ecosystem of Northern Ireland ports, offshore developers, shipbuilders, manufacturers, logistics and specialist companies with expertise in low carbon solutions to integrate and support the maritime & offshore sectors. NIMO is supported by Invest Northern Ireland through its Collaborative Growth Programme.
NIMO welcomed into the Maritime UK family
Chris Shirling-Rooke, the Chief Executive at Maritime UK, commented: “We are both thrilled and proud to welcome NIMO into the Maritime UK family. Accelerating the development of our maritime clusters will support our coastal communities and help our maritime sector to deliver economic benefits both regionally, nationally and globally. Maritime UK look forward to returning to Belfast in June for the Belfast Coastal Powerhouse Summits and the the Maritime UK 2024 awards.”
Kerry Muldoon, NIMO Facilitator, said: “NIMO brings together organisations of all sizes within the maritime and offshore industries, driven by a collective vision to nurture sustainable economic growth and cultivate high quality employment opportunities throughout Northern Ireland.”
Creating a robust and adaptable supply chain
Kerry Muldoon adds, “At the heart of NIMO’s mission is the creation of a robust and adaptable supply chain, primed to meet industry needs, and dedicated to realising the UK's Net Zero objectives through innovative collaboration. Maritime UK’s support has been instrumental in our journey, and we look forward to shaping the future of Northern Ireland's maritime and offshore industries together.”
Joe O’Neill, the Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, said: “In line with our strategic objectives to be a leading regional port and a key economic hub for the region, it makes perfect sense for Belfast Harbour to provide support to the NIMO network.”
Joe O’Neill adds, “The maritime and offshore industries have huge potential for growth in Northern Ireland and we are committed to working together with other members, partners and stakeholders in the sector to achieve mutual success and contribute to the future development of the local economy through this new and exciting initiative.”
Maritime UK - umbrella body for the maritime sector
Maritime UK is the umbrella body for the maritime sector, bringing together the shipping, ports, services, engineering and leisure marine industries. Their purpose is to champion and enable a thriving maritime sector. Maritime UK has responsibility for the coordination and delivery of industry recommendations within Maritime 2050.
NIMO has a clear purpose ‘to unite the Maritime and Offshore sectors in Northern Ireland to drive local economic expansion and unlock opportunities sustainably, through innovation and collaboration’.
