Transport Technology Research Innovation Grant (T-TRIG) Maritime Security

Maritime security refers to all issues relating to the protection of shipping and maritime infrastructure in ports and at sea, both in the UK and overseas.

The Department for Transport (DfT) works with UK ports and maritime operators to support the UK economy.

The IMSA competition is a standalone call for innovative solutions to enhance maritime security.

Project applications should describe how the proposed solution will enhance maritime security. It is acknowledged that early stage research may find it hard to be specific in this regard. However, the exploitation of any research should be considered.

Scope

The Department is running a competition which will fund around 3-5 projects to either develop an initial prototype, a proof of concept or a feasibility study that demonstrates its potential to improve maritime security.

The Department is seeking projects that address existing threats to passengers, maritime shipping and infrastructure both in the port and at sea, in the UK and overseas.

Any science or technology that could enhance any component of the wider security system will be considered. For example this could include:

• enhanced human factors; better use of data or enhanced systems integration.
• The anticipated benefits of the proposals could be operational (e.g. faster screening), presentational (e.g. passenger friendly security messages) or provision of better detection performance.

Example of ways in which maritime security could be supported include:

• Deterrence or identification of suspicious activity in the vicinity of vessels in ports, both over and above water and on land in busy environments
• Alternative approaches to screening of passengers, vehicles and cargo boarding a vessel
• Increasing the physical security of personnel and passengers on-board a vessel

Capability demonstrations of currently marketed or existing maritime security products are out of scope for this work. Projects must have an innovative aspect, although this does include products being used in innovative ways, outside of their original intended use.

Budget

The available budget for the targeted maritime security is around £100,000. The Department is looking to fund 3-5 projects, however, this will depend on quality of applications.