IMarEST’s Small Ships SIG heads to Seawork 2025
Pulling in over 7,500 marine professionals from 60+ countries, Seawork is the destination for everyone in the commercial marine and workboat sector.
The three-day event, now in its 26th year, kicks off on June 10 in the Port of Southampton, with decarbonisation and innovation high on the agenda.
Decarbonisation is certainly a big topic for the UK contingent, with the early months of 2025 seeing the release of both the Climate Change Committee's Seventh Carbon Budget, and the updated Department for Transport (DfT) Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy.
This strategy sets out a short-term timeline, which indicates regulatory levers for the decarbonisation of small vessels are to be implemented in or around 2030. Much work needs to be done ahead of this, as most small craft are outside of existing regulations for tracking and emissions reporting and, as such, there is no validated data, explains Tom Keeling, Director of Small Craft Services and Chair of IMarEST’s Small Ships Special Interest Group (SIG).
“The DfT recognises that for the small craft sector, there is insufficient data to set out a proposed decarbonisation pathway and in order to gather this data, the DfT have released a new call for evidence ‘Decarbonising Smaller Vessels’,” says Keeling. “The Small Ships SIG intends to respond to the call for evidence, so this is tabled for discussion at the AGM (annual general meeting).”
The AGM is being held at Seawork, and is open to all, not just IMarEST members, as part of a drive to raise interest in the small ships sector. It should be a stimulating event, with Keeling pointing out that the evolving regulatory landscape has prompted strong feelings among some members.
“There has been much disappointment and anger in the workboat sector regarding the implementation of Workboat Code 3, and there are strong voices who want to be heard to ensure that the processes followed are robust,” he says. “Similarly, we will discuss the ‘MCA Consultation: Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025’ and ‘The Code of Practice for Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure’, to which many of us provided input.”
Recruitment drive
The SIG will also discuss recruitment, as much as an issue in the small ships area as it is across the industry. Keeling says the lack of recruitment into marine survey and inspection is particularly concerning.
“The demographic is aging, and we are not replacing with young talent,” he laments. “We need to work out why and what we can do about it.”
When it comes to championing the next generation, the innovation accelerator, Future Seawork 2025, will shine a spotlight on groundbreaking projects from UK university students, connecting emerging talent with industry leaders, investors, and collaborators. The event has also partnered with Maritime UK Solent to deliver an exciting careers event on the final day.
Keeling recommends IMarEST members, and any interested parties, come along to the SIG AGM. “It’s an open forum, a chance to meet colleagues in a relaxed environment, air views, and enjoy a drink and socialise afterwards,” he concludes. “Come along and get involved or just listen. All are welcome to join us Wednesday 11 June at Seawork, Conference Room 2, 16.00–17.00.”
Seawork 2025: The European Commercial Marine & Workboat Exhibition is on 10-12 June, Southampton, UK. Register now.
Join the Small Ships Special Interest Group.
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Image: two fishermen in a small open fishing skiff. Credit: Shutterstock.
