The SEA Hub is based at the International Boatbuilding Training College (IBTC) Lowestoft and was first established in 2014 as part of a Coastal Communities (CCF) funded scheme managed in partnership with NHS-UK. During the CCF project, the SEA Hub launched a number of new initiatitves including the Shipshape Sawmill, the Lowestoft Water Taxi, and the Small Grants & Bursary scheme.

The SEA Hub also held a major conference in December 2016 which was attended by 80 businesses, vessel owners and heritage organisations to facilitate future partnership work and explore funding opportunities for the maritime sector. The outcomes from this conference can be downloaded here. Further events and forums are planned by the SEA Hub for the future.

Regional Hubs like this one, working with NHS-UK and local Shipshape representatives, aim to bring organisations and individual vessel projects together, host activities and assist the sector to achieve more in the local area. Each Shipshape Hub acts as the Network’s ambassador on the ground. In direct association with NHS–UK, the Hub carries out Network-related projects, supports the sector and helps attract funds, giving advice to Network members.

SEA Hub projects

Lowestoft water taxi