Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures – delivered by historic steam tug Daniel Adamson – bridges Liverpool’s rich maritime heritage with the region’s rapidly expanding future opportunities
Local maritime businesses eager to support the next generation of industry talent have pledged sponsorship support to an educational initiative delivered by iconic Art Deco steam tug Daniel Adamson, also known as the Danny.
The companies have signed up to offer financial support to ensure the ongoing viability of the Danny’s innovative and highly successful Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures programme. Using the beautiful 120-year-old steam tug as an interactive classroom base, and with the benefit of the expertise of local colleges, universities, and leading local businesses, the hands-on programme is inspiring local students to explore and pursue careers in the region’s thriving maritime sector.
Launched in September 2023, Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures received initial grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Now reaching the end of the grant funding period, and with ongoing demand from local colleges and universities, The Danny’s team is hoping that sponsorship by the maritime community will help them to guarantee the long-term future of the programme.
Cathriona Bourke, learning and participation manager for The Danny said: “The Danny is a wonderful symbol of the resilience and community within our region’s maritime sector. It feels really fitting that she should have spawned the Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures programme, which shows young people they are heirs to a legacy of centuries of innovation whilst introducing them to some of the leading maritime innovations of today.
“The programme relies heavily on the support of our generous sponsors and industry partners, and this year their contribution is even more critical to ensure that the programme remains viable. Without sponsorship, we would not be able to continue empowering young people and fostering the next generation of maritime innovators.
“Our sponsors are not just supporting an initiative—they are directly shaping the future of our industry."
The Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures sponsorship campaign was launched in January 2025. So far companies including shipping agent Armitt, maritime consultancy Brookes Bell, The Liverpool Marine Engineers’ and Naval Architects’ Guild, and specialist turbocharger service, repair, and parts supplier Marine Turbo – all based in the Liverpool City Region – have generously stepped forward to show their support by sponsoring the programme.
The campaign has even attracted support from as far afield as Japan – Ian Knowles, director of IMK Marine Services who now lives in Nagasaki but worked with Liverpool’s Bibby Group as chief engineer until 2003, has also donated.
Bridging maritime heritage with the sector’s rapidly expanding opportunities
Devised and led by The Danny’s learning and participation team, and delivered over the course of an academic year, Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures bridges Merseyside’s rich maritime heritage with the region’s rapidly expanding future opportunities. It is designed to complement the curriculum of B-tech, T-Level, and foundation engineering students, offering them a unique chance to engage with the pressing challenges and opportunities presented by the maritime sector's transition to Net Zero by 2050.
The programme introduces students to the wide array of career pathways within the maritime industry, exploring the transition to decarbonisation and the critical importance of innovation in achieving Net Zero goals. With a busy programme of shipyard and port visits, masterclasses, vessel visits, lectures, and engine room tours, students enrolled on the programme benefit from unique access to industry experts, insights, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
The Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures sponsors join a community of supporters who have provided invaluable time, expertise, and resources to the programme, including Mersey Maritime, Peel Ports, Svitzer, Maersk, Cammell Laird, Safeguard Engineering, the Canal and River Trust, Liverpool John Moores University, National Museums Liverpool, Maritime2050, KS Composites, Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust (MAST), and Fleetwood Nautical College.
Three cohorts of construction and engineering students at Hugh Baird College in Liverpool have now completed the programme, and Dr Charuni Dissanayaka, STEM Lead at the college, is in no doubt of its impact. She said:
“Building on our recent 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating, we are proud to be among the first colleges in the region to embrace The Danny’s innovative, hands-on learning approach.
“The impact on engagement and student confidence has been so positive. Having the opportunity to get first-hand insights into how the region’s maritime sector is evolving to meet its Net Zero goals, directly from the professionals driving those changes, has been both exciting and incredibly rewarding for our students. I am certain it will inspire many of them to pursue further skills and qualifications.”
Global maritime consultancy Brookes Bell – which is headquartered in Liverpool – recently pledged sponsorship support. Adam Whittle, Brookes Bell marketing manager, says The Danny’s initiative is playing a key role in introducing students to exciting career opportunities. He said: "As the commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions reshapes the maritime sector, exciting STEM-based career paths with high earning potential are on the rise. The Danny’s Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures programme is doing fantastic and meaningful work – breaking down barriers to education and training, and helping young people from across the Liverpool City Region to explore the full range of maritime opportunities available to them.”
The Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures sponsorship campaign is ongoing and will run throughout 2025. More details about the programme, including details about how to sign up are available at https://www.thedanny.co.uk/maritime-heritage-maritime-futures
Source: Press release
Zone North