SMI Weekly Newsletter 06/03/2025
Society of Maritime Industries (SMI)
Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) is the voice of the UK’s maritime engineering and business sector.
SMI Conference 2025: Join the Conversation on the Future of UK's Maritime Defence and Security Enterprise?
The companies above have already secured their place at the SMI Conference 2025. Don't miss out on your opportunity to join the conversation on the future of the UK's maritime defence and security enterprise.
This year’s conference will delve into the critical issues driving the industry, including the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS)—two pivotal frameworks guiding the UK's defence and security priorities. With rising tensions across the globe, understanding their implications on maritime security, innovation, and operations is essential for navigating the uncertain waters ahead. As the maritime industry faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, staying ahead of the curve has never been more crucial.? Secure your place today—together, let’s steer the course for a stronger maritime industry.?
Bookings will close 20th March 2025. Limited tickets still available.?
SMI Digital Technology Group: AI Assurance & Applicability Seminar – Register Now
The exclusive seminar will bring together leading experts to explore the key aspects of AI assurance and its practical applications in autonomy.
Key Details:?
Hear from the following top industry experts:
This is a unique opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders, explore practical AI applications, and connect with professionals shaping the future of AI assurance.
Secure your place today! Spaces are limited – Register Here
Explore Exciting Maritime Careers with SMIFutures!
Are you considering a career in the maritime industry?
The SMIFutures Maritime Careers Showcase is your chance to connect with industry professionals, explore diverse career paths, and gain insights into this dynamic sector. Whether you're a student or a graduate, this event offers networking opportunities, presentations and demonstrations to help you navigate your future in maritime.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!?Learn more and register here.
If any companies would like to support this event, please contact Emma Johnson
SMIFutures Career Profile: Rheanne Sun Wai
In this SMIFutures Board spotlight we are delighted to introduce you to Rheanne Sun Wai, Engineering Manager at NXGenDigital.
In this interview, Rheanne discusses how early engagement with the maritime industry - through the Engineering Education Scheme - shaped her decision to pursue a maritime career. She also highlights the diverse opportunities for growth and development the sector has offered her since.
Member News
ACUA Ocean Launches USV Pioneer
SMI was delighted to be in attendance at the USV Pioneer naming ceremony this week in Plymouth. Congratulations to Neil Tinmouth, Mike Tinmouth and the whole ACUA Ocean team on the delivery of this incredible feat of maritime innovation!?
Landmark Move for Robosys Supporting Global Expansion With New Headquarters
The advanced maritime autonomy software developer, Robosys Automation, has celebrated the opening of its new UK headquarters in Southampton, UK, in support of the company’s global expansion.
Robosys’ CEO and Founder, Aditya Nawab said:?“Today is a landmark day for Robosys Automation, seeing the culmination of contract wins, an expanding product portfolio, a loyal customer-base, and a superb team.”
New Measures to Boost Small Businesses Benefitting from UK’s Defence Investment
Government announces major support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) following historic commitment to increase spending on defence.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:?"The UK’s defence industry is a source of national pride. It supports hundreds of thousands of good jobs up and down the country and represents British manufacturing at its best.
Port of Tyne Partners With Artemis Technologies and Invests in UK’s First Fully Electric Foiling Pilot Boat
The Port of Tyne has purchased the UK’s first fully electric foiling pilot vessel, a significant milestone both for the Port and for the UK’s maritime sector. The state-of-the-art vessel, which will be delivered before the end of the year, will be used to transfer pilots onto the ships delivering essential goods and cargoes to the North East of England.
Matt Beeton, CEO at the Port of Tyne, said:?"Adding the EF-12 Pilot to the Port’s fleet is a significant milestone not just for the Port of Tyne, but for the maritime sector as a whole.?As the first UK port to adopt this groundbreaking technology, we’re not only improving standards of safety and efficiency but also delivering a more sustainable operation in support of the Government’s Maritime 2050 strategy.
Ninian Hub Decommissioning – Key Updates and Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
The Ninian Hub - an oil reception and export hub for a number of installations in the Northern North Sea - has begun its plans for decommissioning. As these plans continue to take shape, several updates are available for stakeholders, along with opportunities to provide input and participate in upcoming sessions.?
The?Environmental Scoping Report for the Ninian Southern Platform Lower Jacket and Footings?is now available for comment. Stakeholders are invited to provide any feedback by 31 March on the scope of potential environmental impacts associated with the options being explored for decommissioning.
Stakeholders are also asked to note an introductory online workshop on the Ninian Central Platform, planned for the morning of Tuesday 20th May.
￡4m to Boost Marine Robotics Research Capabilities
The UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has been awarded ￡4 million to bring next-generation sensing capabilities to its marine autonomous systems fleet for use in advancing sustainable ocean science.
The funding, from the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC’s) Future Marine Research Infrastructure (FMRI) programme, will support three projects by leading scientists and engineers at NOC to develop advanced sensors targeting 10 different biogeochemical essential ocean variables, from physics to nutrients and carbon.
Exail integrates Elwave’s Electromagnetic Sensing Technology into R7 ROVs
Exail has selected Elwave’s advanced electromagnetic sensing technology to equip its R7 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for an undisclosed client.
“By integrating CEDAR technology into the R7 ROV, Exail and Elwave are delivering an advanced solution that strengthens operational effectiveness for underwater exploration, defense, and security applications” said Nicolas Astruc, ROV Managing Director at Exail.
"This collaboration combines Exail’s expertise in maritime robotics with Elwave’s electromagnetic sensing technology to provide customers with a unique and powerful tool for operations in complex environments”.
Launchpad: Net Zero Industry, Southwest Wales – Rd2 CR&D
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will work with Welsh Government and its agencies to invest up to ￡2.9 million in innovation projects. This funding is from Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme which supports the UK government’s goals for local economic growth.
Projects must:
Ocean Business 2025 Conference Programme Announced
Preparations for Ocean Business 2025 are well underway, with a bigger than ever exhibition and a packed two-day conference programme, more details of which can now be unveiled.
The line-up of industry experts reflects the scope and ambition of the sector as it gathers together for the global marine technology and science show, to be held at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in Southampton from April 8-10.
For more details, including updates, of the free to attend event, being held in the Seminar Room (Level 4 NOC), visit this link.
Get Set for Workboat 2050?Series 5 Session 2
Event Date & Time:?27 March 2025 08:30 17:00 + Evening Drinks Reception 17:00 - 18:30
Location:?Wereldmuseum, Rotterdam
Event Title:?Driving future efficiency with innovation, skills, fuels & infrastructure’
The Dutch commercial marine and workboat business is one of the largest and busiest in Europe. Whether operating, building or maintaining, it has many diverse sectors, with Rotterdam at the heart of North Sea operations. The ‘Get Set for Workboats 2050’ series deals with decarbonisation and all aspects of improving OPEX efficiencies.
Sessions Include:
Full details of the conference can be found here
As this is a full day event, there is a small delegate fee of €235 and bookings can be made via this link
Pakistan International Maritime Expo & Conference (PIMEC)
The Pakistan International Maritime Expo & Conference (PIMEC) will be taking place in Karachi on Monday 3rd to Thursday 6th November 2025.
PIMEC is an initiative of the Pakistan Navy, being organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs in order to jump start development in the maritime sector.
The event will provide opportunities to the maritime industry, both in public and private sectors, to display products and develop business relationships. The event will also highlight Pakistan’s Maritime potential and provide the desired fillip for economic growth at national level.
At a webinar held on Thursday 27th February, the event organisers, Badar Expo Solutions,?confirmed that significant discounts — as well as some free space — are available for UK companies interested in participating, provided they register their interest by Thursday 15th May 2025.
If there is sufficient interest from UK companies, a UK National Pavilion may also be organised for PIMEC 2025.
Thanks to Tom and team for all the support.