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      SEA-KIT wins funding to demonstrate zero emission hydrogen fuel cell technology for USVs

      SEA-KIT International, leading designer and builder of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), has won funding to install an innovative PCB-based hydrogen fuel cell, engineered by project partner Bramble Energy, on its 12m USV ‘Maxlimer’ and demonstrate zero emission maritime operations.

      SEA-KIT secured the grant through the recent Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) – Strand 2. The project, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) working with InnovateUK, will showcase a successful diesel to hydrogen conversion of SEA-KIT’s proven USV design and demonstrate a route to fulfilling the UK’s Clean Maritime Plan Strategy commitment of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050.

      Ben Simpson, SEA-KIT CEO, said:

      “SEA-KIT USVs have a dual diesel-electric hybrid drive, with propulsion coming from an electric motor powered by battery banks that are charged by in-situ diesel generators. This project will replace one of the diesel generators with new hydrogen fuel cell technology from Bramble Energy and demonstrate an offshore operation with zero carbon emissions.”

      West Sussex-based Bramble Energy, a disruptor in the clean tech space, will design and manufacture a marinized, customised version of its printed circuit board fuel cell (PCBFC). The use of PCBs, as opposed to metallic or graphite end plates, makes the technology more suited to rugged, marine environments. Bramble Energy’s PCBFC system will sit inside an enclosure within the USV to prevent sea water ingress and corrosion.

      Dr Vidal Bharath, COO of Bramble Energy said:

      “Bramble Energy is committed to powering a net zero economy. This project provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate our decarbonising technology in a real world, challenging environment across a new industry with an exciting commercial partner.

      SEA-KIT will retrofit its demonstration vessel, USV ‘Maxlimer’, with the hydrogen fuel system. Data gathered from bench testing and sea trials will be utilised for the design and build of similar USVs, as well as for larger uncrewed vessel builds in the near future.

      USVs are already being deployed for a range of commercial tasks, including geophysical survey, offshore inspections, surveillance and coastal asset monitoring. This collaboration between SEA-KIT and Bramble Energy aims to enable the emergence of hydrogen fuel systems as another viable option for the fast-growing USV market.

      Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas. The CMDC projects represent the first major investment from DfT specifically aimed to drive innovation within the maritime industry.

      Simon Edmonds, Deputy Executive Chair and Chief Business Officer for Innovate UK, said:

      “As the UK prepares to host COP26 in the maritime city of Glasgow, it is great that we can announce funding for these fantastic projects in the maritime sector that will help the UK meet its net zero goals. From this competition we saw a very high level of demand, we have seen the very best of British ideas from all over the country. It is clear that not only does the UK have a great maritime history, but also a bright and greener future too.”

      The application of a hydrogen fuel source to a USV will be a world first, putting the UK firmly in the lead on zero emissions uncrewed technology for sustainable maritime growth.

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      15 Jul
      15 Jul 2025, 12:30 – 15:30

      Defence Attaché Luncheon

      The Society of Maritime Industries will once again be hosting the overseas naval attachés & advisers based in London for a reception and buffet luncheon.
      03 Sep
      3 Sep 2025, 10:30 – 16:30

      SMI WWG Annual Seminar 2025

      SMI is delighted to announce the Annual Workboat Working Group (WWG) Seminar, bringing together stakeholders from across the UK’s workboat and coastal vessel community for a full day of expert...
      09 Sep
      9 Sep 2025 – 12 Sep 2025

      DSEI 2025

      Held at the easy to access ExCel exhibition centre every two years SMI has secured space in DSEI’s Naval Zone to support member companies.  The Naval Zone at DSEI is an interactive...
      16 Sep
      16 Sep 2025, 10:00 – 13:30

      Navigating the Future: Maritime Autonomy, Innovation & Opportunity

      MASG Council LISW Autonomy Event
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      18 Sep 2025, 10:00 – 16:00

      Global Maritime Connections Meet the Buyer

      The Department for Business and Trade (DBT), in partnership with the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) and Seatrade Maritime, is pleased to present Global Maritime Connections, a high-impact Meet...
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      21 Oct 2025 – 24 Oct 2025

      KORMARINE 2025

      KORMARINE is the largest and most prestigious marine trade exhibition, fully supported by the world’s biggest Shipbuilders in Korea as well as leading international shipowners and offshore...
      04 Nov
      4 Nov 2025 – 6 Nov 2025

      Indo Pacific 2025

      Attracting industry professionals from around Australia, the region and the world, Indo Pacific 2025 will see key players from the maritime and naval defence communities come together for three days...
      07 Nov
      7 Nov 2025 – 10 Nov 2025

      Europort 2025

      Europort, organised in the world port city of Rotterdam, is the international maritime meeting place for innovative technology and complex shipbuilding. With an average of 25,000 professional...
      02 Dec
      2 Dec 2025 – 5 Dec 2025

      Marintec China 2025

      Launched for over 40 years, Marintec China has become renowned as one of the most authoritative B2B platform for the International Maritime Industry. The 2023 edition of this biennial event...
      25 Mar
      25 Mar 2026 – 27 Mar 2026

      Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2026

      APM (Asia Pacific Maritime) is the premier exhibition and conference in Asia showcasing a complete overview of the vessel sectors services and solutions, technology, vessel equipment, supplies, and...
      31 Mar
      31 Mar 2026 – 1 Apr 2026

      Ocean Connect Asia 2026

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      01 Jun
      1 Jun 2026 – 5 Jun 2026

      POSIDONIA 2026

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      SMM 2026 (Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology trade fair)

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      Sea Asia 2027

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