Lee Clarke, Managing Director of Isle of Man Maritime, shares insights on maritime innovation, sustainability, and why the Interceltic Business Forum matters for building regional partnerships.
With over two decades of experience across sea-going, shore-based, and strategic maritime roles, Lee Clarke brings a rare blend of operational insight and global vision to his work. As Managing Director of the Isle of Man Maritime, he leads efforts to promote the Island’s world-class maritime sector — rooted in heritage, powered by innovation, and anchored in sustainability.
Ahead of his participation in the Interceltic Business Forum in Lorient this August, we spoke with Capt. Clarke about the Isle of Man’s unique positioning in global shipping, the power of Celtic collaboration, and how maritime startups can get involved.
I'm a lifelong advocate for the maritime sector, with over 20 years’ experience across both sea-going and shore-based roles. I began my career at sea aboard the RMS St Helena, an iconic vessel that really shaped my understanding of global maritime operations and the importance of crew culture. That journey led me into maritime education, where I served as Head of Cadet Training for a large international ship management company, supporting hundreds of young professionals into their careers at sea.
I’ve also captained training ships and worked closely with youth development initiatives — something I remain deeply passionate about. Today, as Managing Director of Isle of Man Maritime, I’m focused on advancing the Island’s strategic maritime agenda and promoting its unique position within the global maritime ecosystem.
I’m fortunate to serve in a number of voluntary capacities that reflect my commitment to inclusion, seafarer welfare, and sustainability — including chairing the Isle of Man Independent Seafarer Welfare Board and Maritime UK’s Pride in Maritime network. I also serve as a trustee of The Seafarers’ Charity and hold various maritime fellowships and ambassadorships.
Isle of Man Maritime is a not-for-profit cluster organisation that represents and promotes the Island’s diverse maritime sector — from ship registry and insurance to tech innovation, training, and sustainability. We act as a catalyst for collaboration, advocacy, and promotion, ensuring our members — and the wider industry — benefit from shared expertise, international connections, and visibility. We're proud to champion the Isle of Man as a maritime centre of excellence anchored in a UNESCO Biosphere.
What sets us apart is the integration of a high-quality regulatory framework, global reach, and our commitment to sustainability — all within a self-governing jurisdiction that supports innovation. The Isle of Man Ship Registry is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Combined with a world-class finance and insurance sector, and our active promotion of careers and innovation in maritime, we offer a compelling and agile platform for global operators. Being the only entire nation designated a UNESCO Biosphere gives us both responsibility and opportunity to lead by example.
The Interceltic Business Forum offers a vital platform for deepening regional ties based on shared heritage, geography, and challenges. It allows smaller but strategically located maritime nations like the Isle of Man, Ireland, Brittany, and others to coordinate approaches to innovation, sustainability, and skills development. In an increasingly competitive and regulated global sector, these collaborative efforts can give us a stronger collective voice — especially on issues like green shipping corridors, decarbonisation, and youth engagement.
The biggest challenge — but also opportunity — is the green transition. Decarbonisation targets are pressing, and the Island has the chance to lead on sustainable shipping practices through partnerships, research, and innovation. Workforce development is also crucial: we need to inspire and support the next generation of maritime professionals. At the same time, evolving regulations, geopolitical shifts, and digitalisation present both risks and areas for growth, especially for a nimble jurisdiction like ours.
My advice: think globally, act locally, and collaborate constantly. The maritime world is interconnected, and the challenges we face — from decarbonisation to digitalisation — require bold, agile thinking. The Isle of Man offers a supportive environment for innovation, from regulatory agility to financial services expertise. For startups, tapping into maritime clusters and engaging directly with end users — be they seafarers, port authorities, or shipowners — is key to developing practical, scalable solutions.
From captaining ships to championing sustainability and seafarer welfare, Capt. Lee Clarke brings unmatched depth to the conversation around maritime innovation and Celtic collaboration. His vision for the Isle of Man — and its role in shaping the maritime future — will take centre stage this August at the Interceltic Business Forum in Lorient.
👉 Join us in Lorient on August 4th to hear from Capt. Clarke and other visionary leaders across the Celtic world.
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Read MoreLee Clarke, Managing Director of Isle of Man Maritime, shares insights on maritime innovation, sustainability, and why the Interceltic Business Forum matters for building regional partnerships.
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