Marine Futures invites applications for its third annual MarineShift360 Impact Accelerator Programme, providing lifecycle assessment expertise and tailored sustainability guidance at no cost.
Marine Futures has launched applications for the 2027 MarineShift360 Impact Accelerator Programme, offering marine businesses a ten-month programme of free support to reduce environmental impact and make better design, purchasing and investment decisions.
Now entering its third year, the programme has supported sustainability-led innovation across the marine sector, with previous examples including RNLI lifeboats, BAR Technologies’ wind-powered propulsion systems, Gurit’s composite materials, MobyFly’s electric hydrofoils and nlcomp’s recyclable composites.
Delivered by Marine Futures and underwritten by 11th Hour Racing, the programme offers tailored support with lifecycle assessment, sustainability strategy, materials and supply chains, alongside access to the MarineShift360 tool. Participants also receive a funded internship and access to a network of suppliers, specialists and fellow participants.
The programme aims to develop flagship projects that demonstrate how marine businesses can reduce environmental impact, with lessons others across the industry can apply.
The 2027 programme welcomes applications covering low-impact vessels, materials and manufacturing, circular economy approaches and improvements to existing operations.
The programme opens as marine businesses face mounting pressure from rising costs. British Marine has warned that the cost of doing business is constraining companies’ ability to invest, hire and grow, a challenge it highlighted in its cost-of-business campaign earlier this year.
Ollie Taylor, Director of Marine Futures, said, “A lifeboat operator and a composites manufacturer face very different decisions. What they both need is evidence of where they can make the biggest difference, and the expertise to act on it.
“The organisations we’ve worked with show how widely this approach can be applied across the marine industry. For 2027, we want to hear from teams with a specific problem to solve, the commitment to do the work and a willingness to share what they learn. The programme gives them the specialist expertise and practical support to turn that evidence into changes in their business.”
Marine Futures will publish the full findings from the 2026 projects in a series of case studies in December.
Jeremy Pochman, co-founder and CEO of 11th Hour Racing, said, “Marine businesses’ decisions today shape their environmental impact for years to come. We want that impact considered alongside cost and performance. By funding this work and sharing the findings, we’re giving businesses evidence to inform design, purchasing, and investment decisions, and tools for them to lead by example and create a path for others.”
Selection will consider measurable environmental benefit, the distinctiveness of the project, the team’s capacity and commitment, and its need for external support. Participants must commit time and an internal team to the programme and share their outcomes publicly.
Applications close on December 31. Shortlisted organisations will be interviewed in January, with the final selection announced by the end of January 2027. The programme begins in February, with support tailored to each organisation’s project and capacity.
Read the 2027 application guide for full programme details and requirements. Apply through the online application form.
