Connected Places Catapult has announced the companies chosen to join its Transport Accelerator: Maritime, a programme backed by Innovate UK to support the development of new technologies for shipping and ports.
The initiative focuses on solutions for autonomous operations, future fuels and port safety, with each selected SME receiving business support and opportunities to access trial funding.
Partners in the programme include Serco, Port of Tyne, the National Shipbuilding Office, University of Plymouth, Portsmouth International Port, Royal Navy Maritime Enterprise, and Maersk.
Technologies featured in this year’s cohort include zero-emission battery systems from AceOn Group for port charging and vessel power; AI simulation platforms from Fidelis AI to accelerate the deployment of autonomous systems; and Amphibian, a robotic crawler from Innvotek for ship hull and infrastructure inspection above and below the waterline.
Other participants include Lorefully, an AI platform for capturing teams’ operational knowledge; H2CHP, which has developed a hydrogen-based linear generator; HydroStar Europe, working on hybrid hydrogen generation and storage systems for ports; and UniVirtua, providing a bonding platform for satellite and terrestrial connectivity for use in maritime environments.
“I’m proud that we are able to unveil this group of innovators with big ideas to make a real difference in the sector,” said Richard Holland, Head of Maritime at Connected Places Catapult.
“With access to our maritime sector partners and backing from the Catapult, these innovators will be supported to progress technologies that can help accelerate autonomous operations, develop new ways to manage future fuels, and improve safety in and around ports.”
