The United Kingdom and Indonesia have entered a landmark maritime cooperation agreement announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G20 Summit. The new Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) aims to enhance Indonesia’s naval and shipbuilding capabilities while supporting major economic, technological, and sustainability goals for both countries.
Building Indonesia’s Shipyard Capacity and Supporting UK Jobs
The MPP forms part of a broader strategic partnership agreed between Prime Minister Starmer and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto last year. Led by Babcock, the initiative is expected to support around 1,000 jobs across the UK primarily at Rosyth shipyard, with additional roles in Bristol and Devonport.
A key focus of the partnership is the creation of maritime capability for Indonesia’s navy and the construction of over 1,000 vessels for the country’s fishing fleet. These boats will be built in Indonesia with British technical support, helping the nation improve food security while boosting its domestic shipbuilding skills. The initiative will also be supported by the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, which helps global partners protect their marine environments and reduce poverty.
Advancing Next-Generation Maritime Technologies and Sustainability
Beyond shipbuilding, the MPP aims to promote technology transfer, joint research, and innovation in next-generation shipbuilding processes including automation and AI-powered solutions. Babcock will also collaborate with educational institutions to train Indonesian professionals in precision engineering, digital design, and integrated naval systems.
The UK government emphasises that the partnership will be implemented in an economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable manner. It aligns with the UK’s wider push toward maritime decarbonisation and clean energy adoption. Earlier this year, the government announced £1.1 billion in joint public–private investments to accelerate green maritime technologies such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, wind power, and electric propulsion.
The UK–Indonesia Maritime Partnership Programme marks a significant step toward strengthening Indo-Pacific stability, improving shipbuilding capacity, and promoting sustainable maritime solutions. By combining British expertise with Indonesia’s growing maritime ambitions, the collaboration promises long-term benefits for security, trade, and environmental stewardship across the region.
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Source: OFFSHORE ENERGY
