SMI Weekly Newsletter 27/02/2025
Society of Maritime Industries (SMI)
Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) is the voice of the UK’s maritime engineering and business sector.
SMI News
SMI Conference 2025: New Speaker Announcements?
We are delighted to welcome Commodore Conor O'Neill, Head of Capability Strategy at the Ministry of Defence, and Andrew Mitchell, Deputy Director- Navy Capability Strategy for Royal Navy Develop to the speaking programme at the upcoming SMI Conference 2025.?
Cdre O'Neill joins session 1 to discuss the Strategic Defence Review outcomes whilst Andrew Mitchell will join the Opportunities in AUKUS session to shed further light on AUKUS Pillar 2 from a Royal Navy perspective.?
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
MAChallenge 2025: Congratulations to the finalists!??
Congratulations to the final three teams in MAChallenge 2025!? On Friday, the organising committee was pleased to announce that Heriot-Watt University, the University of Plymouth and Queen's University Belfast secured their spots in the MAChallenge 2025 final after demonstrating outstanding control of the USV in the simulator environment. Their skill and innovation have been truly impressive, and we can't wait to see what they achieve on the water this June! There’s still time to get involved! If you're interested in sponsoring the competition, reach out to Emma to learn more. Thanks to our supporters and sponsors: Dynautics, Sonardyne International Ltd, Thales, National Oceanography Centre, BMT, Ocean Business, Solent University, Marine AI.
SMI Policy and Public Affairs Update
In this week’s update, SMI looks at:
Consultations
News
Parliamentary Activity
Parliamentary Written Questions
SMI External Engagement
You can access the SMI Policy & Public Affairs Update under the Policy & Research section in the Member Zone?here.
Government Procurement Opportunities for the Shipbuilding Enterprise
An independent assessment and refresh of the economic contribution of the Maritime Sector in the Liverpool City Region.
This is a request for information, this is not a tender exercise. LJMU are conducting a pre-market engagement exercise to gage the capabilities of the market for our requirement. This is not a call for competition/ ITT. This process enables LJMU to fully understand the market to assist us in drafting our tender documentation / determining next steps. Closing date – 3 March 2025. Further details here; https://lnkd.in/ev5jsR8H
Title: Supply of Mattresses for Border Force Cutters Border Force (BF) is a Directorate of the Home Office. BF operate a fleet of five sea going patrol vessels, all cutters are equipped and certified to Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) MGN 280 Workboat Code of Practice, (HSVC) Category 2, for service in waters up to 60 nautical miles from a safe haven.
The full package of works required is detailed in the Statement of Requirements (SoR) ‘SUPPLY OF MATTRESSES FOR BORDER FORCE CUTTERS’ linked below.
Closing date – 14 March 2025 Further details here; https://lnkd.in/eym6SPE4
Title: CPV Eagle - Maintenance and safety equipment recertification This is a Future Opportunity Notice to let potential bidders prepare themselves for the MSER of CPV Eagle. The dates that the vessel will need to be berthed are 26th May 2025 to 13th June 2025. The Opportunity to bid for this competition will be Mid March 2025 (exact date to be advised once docs are completed with BFMC and BF Commercial). Approach to market date – 14 March 2025 Further details here; https://lnkd.in/eSWHdT97
Sonardyne launches SPRINT-Nav DP: revolutionising shallow water dynamic positioning technology
Sonardyne, a leading provider of pioneering marine technology, announced the launch of its new shallow water dynamic positioning (DP) reference system.
Developed in response to SPRINT-Nav customer’s requests and an increasing demand for shallow water DP operations from the offshore wind farm sector, SPRINT-Nav DP has undergone extensive trials and validation tests to ensure it maintains the mandatory class requirements as an alternative position reference into a vessel’s DP system.
“SPRINT-Nav DP represents a leap forward in shallow water vessel positioning,” said?Duncan Rigg, Business Development Manager – Vessel Systems, at Sonardyne.?“By removing GNSS dependencies, we’re enabling operators to work more efficiently and dependably in challenging environments.?
Ocean Business announces exhibitor list for 2025 show
More than 350 world leading manufacturers and service providers shaping the future of ocean science and technology have booked space at the sold-out show, which runs from April 8-10 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton.
Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at show organiser Diversified Communications, said: ‘Ocean Business 2025 will bring together ocean technology trailblazers from across the world for three days of exciting product launches, innovation and ideas.
MUKSW Clean Maritime Expo 25 21st May, Bournemouth University
The Clean Maritime Expo will showcase the progress being made towards maritime decarbonisation across the UK with a focus on South West and South Coast. The event will be an opportunity to do business, learn, collaborate and network for those working towards or with an interest in maritime decarbonisation. The event will have two streams running all day ensuring that you get the information and meet the contacts you need. The Clean Maritime Expo will provide: - Big picture progress from UK Government and from speakers with an international perspective - The latest technology and market innovations on vessel propulsion, fuels and infrastructure - A showcase of decarb investment activity and future ambitions from South West ports - The latest high TRL research from UK universities - Practical sessions on business and investment support - Insight on how skills are being planned to enable decarbonisation - The opportunity to pitch your business and exhibit
Speaker slots, exhibition stands and sponsorship are available – but get in quick as stands are already moving fast. ?
Kort Propulsion and SHM Solutions Announce Strategic Partnership
Kort Propulsion (UK) announce a strategic partnership with SHM Solutions. This collaboration will enable the two companies to deliver integrated equipment solutions for a broad range of vessels worldwide, combining their expertise to meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry.
Effective immediately, SHM Solutions will offer all Kort Propulsion products under the?SHM brand, seamlessly integrating them with its existing range of products, systems, and services.?
Dave Parsons, Managing Director of Kort Propulsion said: "This partnership allows us to enhance our service capabilities and extend our reach to provide customers with?integrated, efficient, and tailored solutions. We see this synergy as a significant step forward in meeting the evolving demands of the maritime industry."
UK-Belgium Maritime Innovation Day 2025: Securing our Maritime Infrastructure - 27th May 2025
The British Embassy in Brussels, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Blue Cluster are delighted to invite British and Belgian Maritime technology companies to apply to participate to the second edition of the maritime event series; 'UK-Belgium Maritime Innovation Day 2025: Securing our Maritime Infrastructure'.
State-of-the-Art technology will be required to face issues of hacking, sabotage, theft or damage to ensure the industry’s needs are secured. Therefore, the British Embassy, in close cooperation with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Belgian Blue Cluster is delighted to be able to organise a second edition of the Maritime Innovation Day.
Mastering Shipbuilding Management 2025
The Mastering Shipbuilding Management week provides a globally unique educational experience and is supported by the UK National Shipbuilding Office
The Mastering Shipbuilding Management week focuses on a wide range of important shipbuilding functions, processes, and activities. The ‘Week’ brings together academics, consultants, and industrial experts to enable attendees to debate current and future practice.
The second half of the ‘Week’ focuses on how shipbuilders can look to better integrate all the differing functions/processes to achieve competitiveness. The finale of the ‘Week’ includes a group exercise and a talk from a senior shipbuilder willing to share their personal experiences.
BMT and JMU awarded Landing Craft contract by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA)
BMT and Japan Marine United (JMU) are pleased to announce that they have been contracted by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) to design and build the next-generation High Speed Landing Craft to be operated by the Japan Self Defense Force.
BMT, renowned for its world-leading expertise in maritime engineering and excellence in ship design, and JMU, with its long-established track record in constructing high-performance defence platforms, form an outstanding team for this venture. This partnership represents a significant collaborative effort between the United Kingdom (UK) and Japan.
The UK Space Agency's 'Unlocking Space for Business' Programme: Final Showcase Event
For the past 18 months, the UK Space Agency together with PwC and the Satellite Applications Catapult have been running the?'Unlocking Space for Business' programme, engaging and supporting over 300 organisations to understand better and take advantage of satellite data and services.
The final Unlocking Space for Business Showcase Event is set to take place in London on the morning of 14th March, offering organisations the opportunity to get involved.
The event will bring together ~200 leaders from?financial services, transport, and logistics?to explore and showcase how?satellite data?& services?is driving commercial impact on revenue, cost and customer retention.
Event registration is free, and the?sign-up link is here.
Please contact?[email protected]?for any questions.
Nominations Now Open for Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service
Seafarers are the backbone of our nation, playing a crucial role in keeping our economy moving and our supply chains intact. Their dedication and hard work deserve our utmost recognition and appreciation.
That's why we have the Merchant Navy Medal State Award to celebrate seafarers who go above and beyond in their roles.
Nominate anyone serving (or who has served) in the Merchant Navy or Fishing Fleets who goes above and beyond, before the nomination window closes on 31 May.
Artemis Technologies and Red Funnel Enter Delivery Phase for Next-Generation Electric Ferry
Artemis Technologies and Red Funnel Ferries are delighted to announce the successful completion of the first phase of their partnership, announced in July 2024. Completion of this milestone, marked by the signing of agreements between the companies, now means that the partnership enters the construction and delivery stage of the programme. Crew training will begin in December 2025 at Artemis Technologies' state of the art facilities in Belfast.
Dr Iain Percy OBE, double Olympic and multiple world champion sailor and Artemis Technologies CEO, said: "We are delighted to continue our work with Red Funnel as we move into the next stage of our partnership. The development phase is where we bring our shared vision to reality and we’re confident this vessel will mark a groundbreaking step in passenger transport."
Lloyd's Register awards Atlas Elektronik UK the first UMS certificate issued to a naval minehunter
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded Unmanned Marine Systems (UMS) Certification to?ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK?(AEUK) for its?RNMB Hydra?vessel, an uncrewed UK Royal Navy surface vessel designed for mine sweeping and mine hunting tasks.?
This certification follows?LR awarding AEUK with Grey Boat Code certification?for?RNMB Hydra?last year.
The 11-metre long RNMB Hydra is the latest ATLAS Remote Combined Influence Minesweeping System (ARCIMS) Unmanned Surface Vessel supplied to the Royal Navy under the Mine Hunting Capability Project.?
Anderson Chaplow, Head of LR's Naval Project Team, said: “We are pleased to be able to issue this certificate to?RNMB Hydra which allows AEUK to demonstrate compliance with a robust and rigorous standard. The project is testament to our strong partnership with AEUK, which involved significant research into autonomous applications to support safer procedures in military operations.”???
Malin Group Assists KBS Maritime in Hunt Class Float-Off
Heavy lift services specialists,?Malin Abram, part of the?Malin group, have successfully rolled out and floated off HMS Brocklesby, a Hunt Class vessel, representing one of the eight mine countermeasure vessels of the Royal Navy, at His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth.
The project, which has involved months of meticulous planning from KBS Maritime and?Malin Abram, saw the vessel carefully rolled-onto a semi-submersible launch barge, provided by Tronds Marine, after which it floated off and launched successfully.
Jamie Bowie, Engineering Director, said: “We are thrilled to have completed this project for KBS Maritime; there are a myriad of considerations with roll-out and float-off operations, from the weather and tides – including red weather storms - to the weight and dimensions of the vessel itself, so seeing this Hunt Class vessel safely launched is fantastic.
IT Consultant
1 天前Interesting event
Chief Executive Officer at Society of Maritime Industries (SMI)
1 天前a month to go to the Conference - such good timing to hear updates on SDR/MoD/RN