A new initiative to streamline marine licensing to support sustainable growth, clean energy and the UK’s future infrastructure whilst safeguarding the seas around our shores, has been launched.
The collaboration led by the UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) directly supports the government’s wider ambition to boost economic growth through smarter infrastructure delivery, as well as unlocking green investment supported by modern regulation, protecting long-term prosperity and managing the marine environment with care.
Licensing discussions can appear to be top-down, to take place behind closed doors or to be overly complex and onerous for all involved but these issues could soon be a thing of the past, since MMO and UKMPG joined forces with leading ports operators to pilot an ambitious new approach to marine licensing. It’s one that puts collaboration, innovation and trust at the heart of the process.
Geraint Evans, CEO of UKMPG said:
A thriving port sector is absolutely essential to the UK’s net zero journey, coastal communities and economic growth.
By working more closely than ever with the MMO, we’re laying the groundwork for a marine licensing process that’s not only faster and clearer – but also works for people and the planet.
Michelle Willis, CEO of the MMO, said:
This is about more than licences – it’s about transforming how we work with industry, learning together and shaping a system that unlocks growth while still protecting our natural environment.
The core of the initiative is a new licensing ‘sandbox’ – a safe, real-world testing space where ports and regulators can come together to improve the way the process works for everyone involved. From streamlining applications to building trust through early engagement, this initiative is focused on transforming how the marine licensing process supports sustainable growth, clean energy and fosters UK’s future infrastructure investment.
Unlike traditional policy consultations, the sandbox is fully hands-on and results-focused. It helps regulators and industry explore live case studies, test innovative ideas, and co-create practical changes rooted in practical needs. Already, two in-person workshops (hosted by global smart logistics provider DP World in London and Associated British Ports in Plymouth) have allowed open dialogue about what’s working, what isn’t, and how any shortfalls can be fixed.
This early momentum is a sign of the MMO’s evolving approach, which is rooted in the idea that smarter regulation is built on listening and learning. The sandbox model reflects a shift in culture – not just in how licences are processed, but in how relationships across the system are built and improved.
With the sandbox now up and running and more sessions planned, stakeholders across the sector are coming together to drive change through a licensing system ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
