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
NOC Awarded £2.6 Million to Investigate Expanding Ocean Desertification
Scientists at the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) are leading a new, five-year funded project to investigate the alarming expansion of ocean…
Become a member
We promote the interests of UK based companies in the international market place and to governments
Join US See the BenefitsNewsletter Signup
Keep up to date with all the latest news and events with our regular newsletter delivered straight to your email box.
Sign Up NowDefence 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.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...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...Navigating the Future: Maritime Autonomy, Innovation & Opportunity
MASG Council LISW Autonomy EventGlobal 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...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...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...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...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...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...Ocean Connect Asia 2026
Ocean Connect Asia presents a regional meeting point to bring together the converging worlds of autonomy, robotics and uncrewed based solutions for the ocean and coastal economies. As the...POSIDONIA 2026
Posidonia brings the whole shipping world to its exhibitors. The international shipping community attends in strength with national pavilions and thousands of visitors.SMM 2026 (Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology 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.Sea Asia 2027
SMI will once again organise the UK Group Pavilion at Sea Asia in its role as the official Country Pavilion organiser. The event will return, bigger and bolder on 16-18th March 2027. To register...
Member Zone
If your company is a member of the Society of Maritime Industries a number of resources are available for which a log-in is required.
LoginResources
Access a wide range of documents, consultations and newsletters which we feel will aid your business activities.
Become a member
We promote the interests of UK based companies in the international market place and to governments
Join Us See the BenefitsNewsletter Signup
Keep up to date with all the latest news and events with our regular newsletter delivered straight to your email box.
Sign Up NowMarine Autonomy Challenge (MAChallenge)
This exciting biennial challenge is open to teams of students studying at UK universities.
Learn more