Maritime UK Solent Awards 2023 finalists announced

Published on: 28 August 2023

Maritime UK Solent awards 2023

Finalists shortlisted for the biggest event in the Solent’s maritime calendar – the prestigious Maritime UK Solent Awards 2023 – have been announced.


The shortlisted finalists were selected by an independent panel of maritime industry experts from more than 90 entries across all categories, demonstrating the depth of excellence and achievement across our outstanding sector over the past year.


The winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony to be held on Thursday 5 October at the impressive Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.


Tickets are now available to attend the Awards at the maritime industry’s biggest regional celebratory event, showcasing the triumphs of the Solent’s world-leading maritime cluster. 


Stuart Baker, managing director at Maritime UK Solent, said: “We were absolutely delighted to see such a significant increase in applications this year. This tells me that the industry recognises the value of coming together and celebrating our collective excellence, and the impact that winning a MUK Solent Award can have. There is so much to celebrate in the maritime industry and the Solent is leading the way in shaping the future of maritime.


“I am so grateful for the time taken by all those who have applied – without you, we would not have an awards event and would not be able to provide the platform on which to champion the great work that is taking place right here in our sector.


“I am also very grateful to our expert panel of judges who have given their time to consider each of the entries across a wide range of maritime organisations, from start-ups to global trade partners. I understand it was a challenge to shortlist the finalists given the strength of applications, but we are delighted with those who have been put forward.  


“The awards event promises to be a wonderful recognition of the best in the sector. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible celebration of maritime excellence, book your place now.”


2023 Awards Finalists


Net Zero Navigator Award, sponsored by Associated British Ports:

  • National Oceanography Centre
  • Portsmouth International Port
  • RAD Propulsion Ltd

Clean Maritime Innovator Award, sponsored by Datum Electronics:

  • Associated British Ports
  • GT Green Technologies
  • Optima Projects

Global Trade Award, sponsored by CNS and DP World:

  • BAE Systems Maritime Services
  • Griffon Hoverwork
  • Keel Marine

Start-Up of the Year Award, sponsored by LockHeed Martin UK Rotary and Mission Systems:

  • Archipelago Yachts
  • Electrogear Fareham Ltd
  • Just Be Maritime Ltd

Diversity Champion Award, sponsored by the Royal Navy:

  • BAE Systems (Outlink)
  • BAE Systems Maritime Services (Employee Resource Groups)
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Technology Game-Changer Award, sponsored by Red Funnel:

  • Carisbrooke Shipping Ltd
  • Connected Places Catapult
  • National Oceanography Centre

Future Skills Award, sponsored by The Solent Cluster:

  • BAE Systems
  • Berthon Boat Company Ltd
  • Portsmouth International Port

Small Business of the Year, sponsored by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership

  • NASH Maritime Ltd
  • RS Aqua
  • Solent Cruises Ltd

International Partner of the Year Award:

  • Halifax Partnership
  • Robosys Automation

Employer of the Year Award:

  • Carnival UK
  • Marine Resources Ltd
  • National Oceanography Centre

Apprentice of the Year Award:

  • Jamie Bamforth, BAE Maritime Systems
  • Joel Shaw, Royal Navy
  • Joshua Weston, BAE Maritime Services

Large Business of the Year award:

  • BAE Systems Maritime Services
  • Serco
  • Solent Stevedores 


The finalists of the Maritime Legacy Award, sponsored by Solent Stevedores, will be announced in September.


Book your tickets for the MUKS 2023 Awards evening at https://muksolent.com/muksolent-awards-2023/  


There are a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining.  To find out more, please contact MUKSolent@solentlep.org to arrange a discussion.