Maritime Solent Summit 2026

Date: 15 April 2026
Times: 9:30 am to 4:45pm
Venue: Portsmouth International Port

Maritime Solent is delighted to bring their second Maritime Summit to the region and we would like to thank one of our Strategic Partners, Portsmouth International Port as our Venue Sponsor, for hosting the event at their landmark sustainable and net carbon neutral passenger terminal extension building.

This is our opportunity to showcase our world leading maritime cluster – and champion our key strengths: ports, shipping, shipbuilding and design, maritime defence, advanced manufacturing, leisure marine, research and training.

The Summit will bring together industry leaders, academics and policymakers.

Our speakers

We welcomed a number of high profile national and regional speakers covering a range of topics.

The summit will feature industry leaders, policymakers, and academics on panels with discussions on:

Global Trade Winds and Ports as Economic Engines
Shaping the Future of Hampshire and the Solent: Devolution & Mayoral Vision
Portsmouth at 100: Maritime Identity & Culture
Maritime Defence & National Security in a Changing World
Superyachts & High-Value Maritime Tourism
Maritime Decarbonisation

Find out more and book your tickets

Agenda

9:30-9:35

Welcome Keith Greenfield, Chair, Maritime Solent

9:35-9:55

Economic Power of the Hampshire and Solent Maritime Sector New economic impact evidence, Stu Baker, Chief Executive, Maritime Solent

9:55-10:55

Global Trade Winds and Ports as Economic Engines

Role of ports as economic engines

Panel Leader: Mike Sellers, Port Director, Portsmouth International Port
Tim Morris, Head of Corporate Communications, ABP
Richard Ballantyne, CEO, British Ports Association
James Francis, Head of Corporate Communications, DP World

10:55-11:15

Refreshment Break

11:15-12:30

Shaping the Future of Hampshire and the Solent: Devolution & Mayoral Vision.
Overview of Devolution in Hampshire and the Solent and how it can accelerate growth. Meg Carter, Regional Director, Atkins Realis

Panel Leader: Meg Carter, Regional Director, Atkins Realis
Conversations with Mayoral candidates on the role of the maritime sector in supporting regional prosperity.
Anna Collar, Green Party
Chris Parry, Reform Party
Donna Jones, Conservative Party
Martin Tod, Liberal Democrat Party

Audience participation – Slido

12:30-13:00

Portsmouth at 100: Maritime Identity & Culture

Portsmouth’s centenary – the UK’s only island City. Natalie Brahma-Pearl, Chief Executive, Portsmouth City Council
City of Culture Bid 2029. Gemma Nichols, CEO, Portsmouth Creates CIC

13:00-13:50

Lunch and networking

13:50-15:00

Maritime Defence & National Security in a Changing World
Keynote: Defence as an engine for growth: Global Context, Hybrid Navy and Capability Accelerator – Commodore Marcel Rosenberg, Commander of HMNB Portsmouth

Panel Leader: Commodore Marcel Rosenberg, Commander of HMNB Portsmouth
The role and needs of the supply chain: Perspectives from Primes and SMEs
Claire Hemmings, Managing Director, Force Development Services (FDS) Ltd
Orsolya Patterson, Snr BD Manager, BAE Systems
Nick Allott, CEO and Founder, nquiringminds Ltd
Richard Powell OBE DL MA MSc MA, Director for Strategic Engagement (Maritime), QinetiQ

Audience participation – Slido

15:00-15:15

Refreshment Break

15:15-16:20

Maritime Decarbonisation

Shore Power Deployment – Portsmouth

Lee Howes, Port Environmental Lead Officer, Portsmouth International Port

Decarbonising Port Operations – DP World

Helena Puce, Senior Environment Advisor, DP World

Decarbonising Shipping and Marine

Craig Patrick, Chief Commercial Officer, Silverstream Technologies
Shaun White, Managing Director, Foreship UK

Audience participation – Slido

16:20-16:40

Superyachts & High‑Value Maritime Tourism

16:40-16:45

Closing remarks Keith Greenfield, Chair, Maritime Solent

Speakers

Nick Allott

CEO and founder, Nquiringminds

Nick is the CEO and founder of Nquiringminds – a secure AI agent company, with 30 years commercial experience in Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security

Former roles include: CTO at OMTP (leading work on Trusted execution Environments), WAC and Fastmobile, Director of Engineering Motorola, software/architect at Dorling Kindersley, Shell and Neural Computer Sciences

Nick has a degree and PhD in AI and is a Visiting Professor at University of Southampton

Stuart Baker

Chief Executive, Maritime Solent

Stuart Baker is Chief Executive of Maritime Solent, the region’s maritime cluster organisation, championing the Solent as a globally competitive hub for maritime skills and training, innovation, investment, and sustainable growth. In his role, he convenes industry, academia, and government address shared issues and influence national policy, accelerate sector transformation, and strengthen the UK’s maritime capabilities.

With a background directing major economic investment programmes, strategy and strategic partnerships, Stuart is known for his clear vision, collaborative leadership, and ability to bring diverse stakeholders together behind shared ambition. He oversees high‑profile initiatives, including the annual Maritime Summit, and works closely with partners to drive long‑term prosperity for the Solent’s world‑class maritime sector.

Richard Ballantyne

Chief Executive, British Ports Association

Richard Ballantyne joined the British Ports Association in 2007 and became the Chief Executive in 2016.

Richard has in-depth expertise in ports, transport, trade and environmental policy matters as well as a wide experience of the legislative process around the UK. He is a champion of sustainable development and is also a passionate advocate of the value of the UK ports industry both to the regions in which they are based but also as national gateways.

He is a Director both of Maritime UK and the Scottish Maritime Cluster, a Trustee of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board charity and was previously a Director of Port Skills and Safety Ltd.

Before joining the BPA, Richard spent five years at a Westminster political consultancy and was previously an MP’s researcher in the House of Commons. Richard was also awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours for his services to the maritime sector.

Meg Carter

Regional Director, Local Government

Meg Carter is a strategic leader specialising in devolution, local government reorganisation and strategic partnerships. Meg has become a trusted voice in translating complex political shifts into clear, accessible insight. With extensive public, and private‑sector experience, she helps organisations navigate change, build strong partnerships and deliver meaningful change. Known for her calm authority, clarity, and collaborative leadership, she brings people together to shape place‑based growth and to unlock opportunities

Anna Collar

Associate Professor of Archaeology, University of Southampton

Anna Collar is Associate Professor of Archaeology at the University of Southampton and the Green Party candidate for Mayor of Hampshire, Solent and the Isle of Wight. She joined Southampton in 2019, before which she worked at Aarhus University (Denmark) for four years.

James Francis

Commercial Manager Shipping Lines, UK Commercial – Port

As a DPW U.K Commercial Manager I am responsible for driving commercial strategy, customer partnerships, and revenue growth at DP World Southampton. Having previously worked in Operations management at DP World Southampton I developed strong operational and commercial insight into port and terminal operations. I combine practical experience with commercial acumen to deliver value-led terminal and port solutions.

Keith Greenfield

Chair, Maritime Solent

Keith Greenfield is Chair of Maritime Solent. He was formerly CEO at Wightlink Ferries from 2016-2024 following a career in airports and telecommunications.

Claire Hemmings

Managing Director, Force Development Services Ltd

Claire Hemmings is the Owner and Managing Director of Force Development Services (FDS), a UK defence and security firm known for mission-focused innovation and global reach. With over 28 years’ experience across supply chain, operations, and programme management, she brings deep operational insight from a career spanning Primes and SMEs. Claire is committed to ensuring FDS remains a trusted partner enabling clients to achieve their operational objectives.

Donna Jones

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the IOW Conservative Candidate for Hampshire and IOW Mayor

Donna Jones was elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in 2021 and re‑elected in 2024 with a 70,000 majority. Formerly the youngest magistrate in England and Wales, she chaired the bench for 16 years. From 2014–2018 she led Portsmouth City Council, overseeing a £780m budget. A Hampshire native with a background in banking, she lives locally with her husband and two sons.

Lee Howes

Port Environmental Lead Officer, Portsmouth International Port

Lee Howes brings nearly 20 years of experience across the aviation, ferry, and maritime sectors. After spending 15 years in operational and non‑operational senior roles at two major London airports, he moved into the Isle of Wight ferry industry before transitioning fully into maritime in 2022.

Drawing on a strong sustainability background developed in the airport sector, Lee now leads Portsmouth International Port’s ESG programme, driving environmental performance, social value, and responsible governance across the organisation

Tim Morris

Group Head of Corporate Communications, Associated British Ports

Tim heads the Associated British Ports team managing external and internal communication, brand and political engagement. He joined ABP from the UK Major Ports Group where he was CEO. Prior to ports, Tim spent eleven years in the steel industry with Tata Steel in strategy, trading and communications roles. Tim’s early career was as a management consultant for McKinsey & Co. He has degrees from the LSE and Warwick University.

Gemma Nichols

Chief Executive Officer, Portsmouth Creates

Gemma Nichols FRSA is Chief Executive of Portsmouth Creates, a Community Interest Company dedicated to championing Portsmouth’s creative sector and driving cultural development across the city. With a career deeply rooted in arts, culture, and placemaking, Gemma brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, partnership development, and delivering transformative cultural initiatives that put people and communities at the heart of the process.

Before joining Portsmouth Creates, Gemma played a key role as part of the senior leadership team for Southampton’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid, helping shape the city’s ambitious cultural vision and leading on stakeholder engagement, fundraising and campaign development.

Starting her cultural career as part of the team at Culture Liverpool, contributing to the city’s internationally recognised cultural events programme and supporting major events that strengthened Liverpool’s reputation as a world-class cultural destination.

Throughout her career, Gemma has championed collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation, ensuring culture is not only celebrated but embedded within economic and social growth strategies.

Under her leadership, Portsmouth Creates supports artists, cultural organisations, and community-led initiatives, driving creative opportunities, cross-sector partnerships, and long-term investment in the city’s cultural future.

As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), Gemma is committed to advancing creativity as a catalyst for positive change, advocating for the power of culture to strengthen communities, improve wellbeing, and creating vibrant, sustainable places to live and work.

Dr Chris Parry

Managing Director, Middlemarch Enterprises Ltd

Dr Chris Parry CBE runs a strategic forecasting company and teaches at several universities in the UK and the US. Previously, he was a warfare officer and aviator in the Royal Navy, where he commanded by land, sea and air and held four senior Ministry of Defence policy and future development appointments. He was the founding Chair of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and is a mayoral Candidate for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Solent.

Craig Patrick

Chief Commercial Officer, Silverstream Technologies

Craig Patrick is Silverstream Technologies Chief Commercial Officer, where he leads global business growth across multiple shipping segments and regions. Craig has over 25 years’ experience in marine business development, with BAE, Babcock, Thales and, more recently, Wärtsilä where he was Sales Director. Craig is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and holds a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of West Scotland.

Orsolya Patterson

Naval Ships BD Lead, BAE Systems

Orsolya is the UK Business Development Lead at BAE Systems Naval Ships and deputy lead for the Hybrid Navy Programme. With 14+ years in defence, she has driven innovation across the sector, including launching the Royal Navy’s autonomy accelerator, Navy X. She has led major digital delivery teams and held senior roles at MooD International and IBM. Orsolya’s Masters degrees are in languages and she also holds the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis.

Richard Powell OBE DL MA MSc MA

Director Strategic Engagement (Maritime), QINETIQ

Building on 37 years in the Royal Navy as a Destroyer Captain, aviator and diplomat, Richard Powell is QinetiQ’s Director of Strategic Engagement for the maritime sector. More broadly, he is a member of the Shipbuilding Enterprise for Growth advising the government on technology integration in shipbuilding. He also sits on the AUKUS Pillar 2 Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum, working with AUKUS officials and Trade Associations on advanced technologies programmes.

Helena Puce

Senior Environment Advisor – DP World Southampton

I have had environmental roles in both the rail and logistics/shipping industries and have built my career on turning big environmental goals into digestible and practical action at site level. With both an MSc in Environmental Consultancy and a BSc in Biology I have a solid grounding in the science behind what I do and why it is important.

During my career, I’ve worked on initiatives to reduce environmental impact and support the transition to low-carbon operations. I’m committed to finding innovative ways to tackle climate challenges and make a positive difference for the future.

Commodore
Marcel Rosenberg

Naval Base Commander, His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth

Commodore Marcel Rosenberg commands His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth, directing its management and strategic direction to meet the requirements of its people, their military families and the Surface Fleet, in peacetime, crisis and war.

A Solent native, he joined the Royal Navy as an Apprentice and has worked in the Naval Base at many stages of his career. Marcel has an MSc in Engineering and Management with Distinction, from Portsmouth University, and is a Chartered Engineer with the Institute of Engineering and Technology. He has over 35 years experience in engineering and leadership, across the fields of integration, digital networks, communications, weapons and sensors. He has personally lead agile teams, acquisition projects, operational departments and support organisations, as well as delivered and managed training, both ashore and at sea. He has also delivered engineering globally and in conflict, ashore and at sea, serving in the first Gulf War, the Kosovo crisis and Afghanistan: as well as undertaking humanitarian disaster relief in the Philippines and flood relief in the United Kingdom. As a Non-Executive Director to Maritime Solent, he supports their mission to promote a thriving maritime sector within the central south coast of England, anchored around the Solent. He is a member of both the Institute of Engineering and Technology and the City and Guilds of London Institute, as well as a STEM Ambassador.

Mike Sellers

Port Director, Portsmouth International Port

Mike has been leading the transformation of Portsmouth International Port since his appointment as Port Director in 2017.This has involved concentrating efforts in making sure the UK’s most successful municipal port plays a prominent role in positioning Portsmouth as the country’s leading marine and maritime city, and it is fast establishing itself as innovative and sustainable industry pioneer.

With a wealth of experience with 30 years in the ports industry, Mike has previously worked at seven major UK ports. Roles include Port Manager at Grimsby and Immingham the largest port complex in the UK, where he oversaw the movement of 54 million tonnes of cargo each year. Mike was heavily involved in the development of the Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal, the world’s largest biomass handling facility and has also held senior roles at a number of ports in East Anglia and Humberside.

Alongside his position as Port Director, Mike has been chair of the British Ports Association (BPA), an industry trade organisation representing the interests of UK ports to the various tiers of national and devolved governments in the UK and internationally. He is currently a director for Port Skills and Safety and Maritime Solent.

Martin Tod

Leader, Winchester City Council

Martin Tod is the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent, Leader of Winchester City Council and a Hampshire County Councillor. With over 35 years of experience in business, charity leadership, and public service, he has driven delivery of affordable housing, action on the environment and regeneration in the Winchester district, and works more widely across the region to drive regional development and the Hampshire/Solent economy.

Shaun White

Managing Director, Foreship UK

Shaun White is the Managing Director of Foreship UK, the subsidiary of Foreship Ltd, which specialises in naval architecture, marine engineering and project management services for new ship building, conversion, and refurbishment.

Shaun has a long career in the Maritime Industry having held several leading positions in the sector, gaining significant insights into shipping’s technical and commercial pathways on alternative fuels, hybrid solutions, electrification, and energy infrastructure systems.

Shaun is passionate to apply the knowledge and experience from the commercial shipping, cruise, passenger, and defence sectors to establish industry partnerships and deliver innovative solutions and to develop the green shipping technologies of tomorrow.

Information for attendees

Venue

Terminal Building – Portsmouth Port

Parking

Is available on site in the multi storey carpark. Spaces can be paid for in advance using this link Official Portsmouth Port Parking. A whole day’s parking costs £13. Parking – Portsmouth Port Alternatively, Summit attendees could use the nearby Park and Ride service. The P&R service (PR1) stops at Rudmore Roundabout, which is around a 5 – 7 minute walk to the Port Terminal Building PO2 8SP.

There is a return-journey stop right by the Port multi-storey car park, The day ticket is £5 for all-day parking, and up to 5 people travelling together can use a single daily ticket, a very cost-effective option for groups heading to the event. Tickets can be purchased via the First Bus app, RingGo, or directly from the driver using cash, card or mobile payment.

Arrival Time and Instructions

Delegates are invited to arrive from 9:00am, with speeches starting at 09:30am.

Exhibition opportunities

The Maritime Solent Summit will bring together over 300 leaders and influencers from across the Solent, the UK and the global maritime community. With a programme spanning trade, decarbonisation, defence, culture and the future of regional governance, the Summit offers a unique platform to showcase your organisation to a highly engaged audience.

Exhibitor benefits

Provision for: Electric point, table, chair(s)
High footfall location: Exhibition space in the main conference area where networking and refreshments are served.
Targeted audience: Direct engagement with senior industry leaders and decision makers
Showcase your strengths: Promote your products, services, innovation and thought leaderships
Visibility: Inclusion in the Summit exhibitor listing

Exhibition prices

Partner Organisation £600 (+VAT)
Non Partner Organisation £750 ( +VAT)

Sponsorship Opportunities

We are offering five summit sponsorship opportunities, each designed to provide strong brand visibility and association with the region’s flagship maritime summit.

Summit Sponsorship £1,500 (+VAT)

Logo prominence on Summit promotional material
Logo on summit lanyard
Logo on the staging throughout the event
Recognition as Summit Sponsor in opening and closing remarks.

To explore sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities either email info@maritimesolent.com or register your interest via Eventbrite