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      • The Management Team
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        • Business Overseas and in the UK
        • Research, Technology & Innovation
        • Improving the Business Environment
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      • A Brief History
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        • Donald Maxwell Student Award
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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.

    News

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    19 May 2022

    Sir Ben Ainslie CBE - After Dinner Speaker at SMI Annual Dinner

    This year, we are very pleased to welcome Sir Ben Ainslie CBE as our after dinner speaker.

    18 May 2022

    Maritime UK launches Global Women in Maritime Series

    18 May 2022

    Oceanology International Americas and the Society for Maritime Industries shake hands on deal

    SEE MORE NEWS

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    25 May
    25 May 2022 – 26 May 2022

    MoD Market Awareness Event - Provision of Online Standards, Databases & Publications

    The MoD is inviting all interested suppliers to attend a Market Awareness event which is scheduled for Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th May 2022, using MS TEAMS.
    25 May
    25 May 2022 – 26 May 2022

    UK Ports Conference 2022

    The UK Ports Conference will provide you with a complete update on the UK ports sector. Identify opportunities for port growth and development and deliver solutions to overcome the primary challenges...
    31 May
    31 May 2022, 11:00 – 12:00

    Export Control and Dual-use Items Seminar

    SMI's Marine Science and Technology Group Council invite you to a seminar on Export control and Dual-Use items in the maritime sector.
    06 Jun
    6 Jun 2022 – 10 Jun 2022

    Posidonia - The International Shipping Exhibition

    Posidonia brings the whole shipping world to its exhibitors. The international shipping community attends in strength with national pavilions and thousands of visitors. But Posidonia is also home to...
    21 Jun
    21 Jun 2022 – 23 Jun 2022

    Seawork 2022

    SMI is partnering once again with Seawork, Europe’s largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition, to host the SMI Shipyard Pavilion. The annual exhibition brings together over 7,600...
    06 Sep
    6 Sep 2022 – 9 Sep 2022

    SMM - Leading International Maritime Trade Fair

    When it comes to meeting up with all the leading protagonists of the global maritime industry, there’s no place like SMM, one of the leading international maritime trade fairs. It’s here...
    08 Sep
    8 Sep 2022, 10:30 – 13:00

    Smart Sound Plymouth Seminar

    Gain an insight into what exciting projects the Smart Sound Plymouth are working on and get an update on their Wolfson Foundation funding. This Seminar will be followed by a networking lunch with the...
    21 Sep
    21 Sep 2022, 10:30 – 13:00

    Digital Twins in the Marine Science and Technology Sector

    Gain an insight into Digital Twins, their benefits and more specifically uses within marine science and technology. This Seminar will be followed by a networking lunch with the Marine Science and...
    18 Oct
    18 Oct 2022 – 21 Oct 2022

    EURONAVAL 2022

    EURONAVAL 2022, the biennial International Naval Defence & Maritime Exhibition and Conference, will take place from 18 to 21 October 2022 at the Le Bourget Exhibition and Conference centre in...
    24 Nov
    24 Nov 2022, 19:00 – 23:30

    Annual Dinner 2022

    The Society of Maritime Industries Annual Dinner will be held on Thursday 24th November 2022 at Drapers' Hall, Throgmorton Avenue, EC2N 2DQ. 
    14 Feb
    14 Feb 2023 – 16 Feb 2023

    Oceanology International Americas 2023

    The Oceanology International Americas event offers a leading forum where industry, academia and government share knowledge and connect with the North, Central and South American marine science and...
    04 Oct
    4 Oct 2023 – 6 Oct 2023

    Indonesia Maritime Expo (IME)

    Indonesia Maritime Expo (IME) is the most anticipated international event in Indonesia for the world’s maritime players, showcasing the latest in marine, workboat & offshore engineering and...
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    Marine Autonomy Challenge (MAChallenge)

    This exciting challenge is open to teams of students studying at UK universities. The first phase involves a video submission and the finals take place in November this year. Each qualifying team will be provided with an industry simulator to enable them to build the autonomous behaviours required to achieve a series of challenges.

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