From offshore innovation to community action

As environmental pressures intensify, the need to act has never been clearer. From climate change and biodiversity loss to increasing demand on marine resources, the oceans sit at the centre of both the challenge and solution – making World Ocean Day a timely reminder of our shared responsibility to protect it.

But the future of our ocean depends on more than technology, policy, or investment. It depends on whether people feel connected to it in the first place. Access to the natural world is increasingly unequal. When young people are disconnected from the environments around them, that sense of responsibility risks being lost. These are not just social challenges but long-term risks of how we protect and sustain our ocean.

Through science, engineering and technology, we are committed to helping our customers manage their impact and become more resilient, whilst also improving our own operations. We play an active role in the global energy transition including supporting offshore wind, autonomous maritime solutions and more efficient vessel designs. Additionally, we are making solid progress towards meeting our 2030 science-based emissions targets. We also continue to strengthen our focus on wellbeing, inclusion and community impact.

Driving Sustainable Growth 

We are working closely with our charity partners to build stronger connections between people and the ocean, helping to ensure that sustainability is not only addressed through our work but also experienced within the communities we operate in. Alongside this, we are testing new ways to partner and deliver greater societal value and opening additional opportunities for our customers to contribute to communities in more impactful ways.

This reflects a broader commitment to recognising the ocean as a shared resource and responsibility, and to finding practical ways to support healthier, more connected marine environments and coastal communities.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the charities we are working with as part of this journey.

Sea-Changers and the Next Wave Fund

In partnership with Sea-Changers, we have launched the BMT Next Wave Fund – a grant programme designed to give children and young people greater access to the coast and opportunities to engage with marine conservation. Supported by a £20,000 contribution, the fund enables grassroots projects that combine environmental education, citizen science and direct conservation action. By supporting early engagement with the marine environment and the ocean, the Next Wave Fund helps to inspire future ocean custodians.

The Seafarers’ Charity 

For the second year running, our colleagues took part in the 24 Peaks Challenge, collectively raising more than £11,000. We also attended The Seafarers’ Charity’s inaugural Waves of Influence event, supporting families from seafaring backgrounds who are facing crisis. 

This year also saw a personal challenge taken on in support of The Seafarers’ Charity, with Monty Long, Regional Future Business Director completing the London Marathon. Through his efforts, Monty raised nearly £4000, including a donation from BMT, for the charity's vital services which spans from emergency assistance to mental health support for those working at sea. It is great to see how individual action, when supported collectively, can deliver meaningful change.

Hythe

Engaging young people with the ocean is critical to building a more sustainable future. Through partnerships with education-focused organisations, we are helping to establish those early connections.

At our Southampton site in Hythe, we are collaborating with the community and local stakeholders and testing new ways to collectively deliver impact. In October, we worked with local partners to host over 30 students aged 9-10 for a hands-on ocean learning day. Activities ranged from beach exploration and environmental challenges to interactive games designed to bring marine science to life. The impact goes beyond the classroom, helping young people build curiosity, confidence and a sense of responsibility for the environment around them.

As one student shared:

“Yesterday, we went on a trip to Hythe. First, we were told about sea life and the environment. We got into groups like Sharks, Crabs, Oysters. My group went to the beach and found shells. [...] We put rubbish in the bin and left. I learnt the ocean is all one, and ways a fossil can be made! It was an amazing day!”

Greyhope Bay 

In Aberdeen, our partnership with Greyhope Bay is helping to expand facilities that will host sustainability workshops for communities, businesses and educators. By strengthening local engagement and knowledge-sharing, the initiative contributes to the city’s transition to a low-carbon future, while strengthening local connections to the marine environment.

Sea Cadets

This year, we’ve taken STEM on the road, from New Scientist Live to Sea Cadets evenings, work experience programmes, and hands-on activities at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Whether it’s testing cardboard boats, running foam tow-tank experiments, or introducing young people to ship design, the aim is simple: open doors, inspire ambition, and show what’s possible in maritime engineering.

Summary

As we look to integrate social value more consistently into our projects, we are exploring ways to address wider societal and community needs through our work. This is complemented by initiatives including education programmes in Hythe, support for Greyhope Bay, partnerships with The Seafarers’ Charity, our collaboration with Sea Changers through the Next Wave Fund, and STEM engagement with Sea Cadets. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to building awareness, inspiring future talent, and delivering long-term social and environmental value to our oceans

If you’re interested in accelerating a resilient ocean future, reach out to the charities listed to see how you can help. By combining cutting-edge engineering with meaningful community engagement, we can inspire all generations to protect and sustainably manage ocean resources.