Our Sea Power Laboratory is a next-generation research and engagement programme designed to advance maritime thinking. It fosters a systemic approach that unites political, policy, industrial, and other stakeholders to achieve a strategic understanding of how Britain can mobilise and deploy sea power to promote national prosperity and protect the nation’s interests.
The Laboratory tests new ideas, generates innovative policy recommendations, convenes key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, nurtures a next-generation maritime community, and disseminates maritime discourse to the wider public.
Latest research
Events and engagements
The Sea Power Laboratory convenes key stakeholders through a programme of events. Quarterly dinners enable conversation with a diverse group of stakeholders on key maritime issues.
The Sea Power Series hosts key figures, including naval and defence attachés based in London, to discuss key naval developments in their seas, their work with the Royal Navy, and common challenges and opportunities. The Series is kindly sponsored by Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE, Honorary Chairman.
Upcoming events
Past events
Maritime Leaders’ Shipping Forum 2026
Building on the success of the Maritime Leaders’ Programme 2025, the Maritime Leaders’ Shipping Forum 2026 brings together emerging and established leaders across industry, policy, and academia to build a new generation community of practice.
Delivered by the Council on Geostrategy in partnership with the UK Chamber of Shipping.
The Maritime Leaders’ Shipping Forum is kindly sponsored by Wallenius Lines.
Sessions in 2026:
26th May: Contested logistics in the High North and Baltic
The session explored the critical vulnerabilities facing NATO logistics in the High North and Baltic, including supply and reinforcement, civil-military cooperation, greater redundancy, and active defences.
4th September: Strategic shipping and end-to-end supply chains
The session explored strategic shipping and end-to-end supply chains, including sealift capacity, the seafarer shortage, contracting models, and civil-military integration.
Upcoming session:
1st December: Defending commercial vessels to strengthen safe global trade
Maritime Leaders’ Programme 2025
The Maritime Leaders’ Programme fostered a dynamic network of young professionals and future leaders in maritime affairs. We hosted four sessions covering: ‘Policy delivery and reform’, ‘Strategic shipping and the military-commercial relationship’, ‘Maritime strategy’ and ‘Lead, fight win and the next generation.’ Each session featured presentations, workshops and networking opportunities.
Defence Talks
Selected episodes of Defence Talks: Securing UK Advantage feature senior naval figures discussing the future of the Royal Navy and British sea power.
Defence experts: How skills can futureproof UK security
Featuring Rear Admiral Rose OBE, Director of People and Training for the Royal Navy.
First Sea Lord: Driving the Naval Transformation
Featuring General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff.
Media appearances
Experts and associates
Alessio Patalano
Herbert Richmond Adjunct Fellow in Maritime Strategy
Deborah Sanders
Adjunct Fellow in Naval Affairs
H I Sutton
Sidney Smith Adjunct Fellow for Unconventional Naval Strategy
James Rogers
Co-President (Research)
Jennifer Parker
International Fellow
Julien Lalanne de Saint-Quentin
François Crouzet Adjunct Fellow in Comparative Geopolitics
Liberty Hunter
Sir Julian Corbett Adjunct Fellow in Maritime Security
Neil Brown
Honorary Fellow
Prof. James Henry Bergeron
International Fellow
William Freer
Research Fellow (National Security)
Advisory Council
The Sea Power Laboratory is guided by an Advisory Council of eminent persons:
- Simon Bird, Humber Director at Associated British Ports;
- Vice Admiral Andrew Burns CB OBE, Fleet Commander, Royal Navy (2021-2025);
- The Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Fallon KCB, Secretary of State for Defence (2014-2017);
- Richard Foord MP, Member of Parliament for Honiton and Sidmouth;
- Rear Admiral Rhett Hatcher (Rtd.), CEO of the Chamber of Shipping;
- Lord Mountevans, Member, House of Lords;
- Emma Lewell MP, Member of Parliament for South Shields;
- Richard Powell OBE DL, Director, QinetiQ.
Sponsors
Sea Power Laboratory launch
On Monday 4th November 2024, we hosted the Sea Power Laboratory launch reception at Trinity House. We were delighted to hear from:
- Vice Admiral Andrew Burns CB OBE, Fleet Commander, Royal Navy (2021-2025);
- Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Procurement;
- Dr Kevin Rowlands, Head of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre (2021-2025);
- Paul Livingston, Chief Executive UK & NATO at Lockheed Martin.