The Subsea Expo Awards, held this year at Aberdeen’s P&J Live, was more than just a night of glitz and glamour; it was a testament to the UK’s prowess in the underwater industry, which pumps a whopping £9.2 billion into the national economy annually. Organized by the Global Underwater Hub, the event was a who’s who of the subsea sector, with leading companies and individuals strutting their stuff on the red carpet.
The black-tie ceremony, sponsored by Next Geosolutions, was a night to remember, with entertainment from the one and only Gyles Brandreth. The renowned actor, writer, and former MP had the crowd in stitches with tales from his illustrious career, proving that even in a room full of industry heavyweights, a good storyteller can still steal the show.
The awards themselves were a celebration of innovation, safety, and technological advancements. Verlume, a company from Aberdeen, was crowned Company of the Year for businesses with under 50 employees. Their remarkable growth in subsea power systems and expanding international market presence has certainly put them on the map. As one industry insider put it, “Verlume is a company to watch – they’re not just keeping up with the industry, they’re setting the pace.”
C-Kore Systems from Yorkshire took home the Global Exports Award, with exports accounting for over 70% of its annual turnover. Their patented offshore energy test tools are making waves internationally, and it’s clear that their success is a testament to the UK’s strength in the subsea sector.
The Rising Star Award went to Abi Thompson from SMD in Newcastle. With 14 years in the industry, Abi has been a driving force in mentoring colleagues and advocating for STEM education. Her dedication to fostering the next generation of talent is a breath of fresh air in an industry that’s always looking to the future.
Quintham’s innovative safety tools, such as the Mariner Notices website and Watchful app, earned them the Safety Award. Their commitment to enhancing maritime safety, particularly for fishing vessels and their crews, is a reminder that in an industry where safety is paramount, innovation can make all the difference.
ARC Marine’s marine structures, which protect subsea assets and coastlines while enhancing marine biodiversity, earned them the Technology Development Award. Their work is a shining example of how technology can be used to protect and preserve our oceans.
Kraken Robotics from Westhill, Aberdeen, was honored with the Cross-Sector Innovation Award for its synthetic aperture sonar technology. This technology is a game-changer for seabed mapping and hazard detection, supporting both defense and offshore wind sectors. As one industry expert noted, “Kraken Robotics is at the forefront of innovation, and their work is a testament to the UK’s leadership in the subsea sector.”
Next Geosolutions, a marine geoscience and offshore construction support services provider, was crowned Company of the Year for businesses with over 50 employees. Their exceptional business performance and industry leadership are a testament to their commitment to excellence.
Finally, Steve Sheppard from Helix Well Ops was celebrated with the Outstanding Contribution Award for his 40-year career dedicated to diving health and safety. His leadership roles in the International Marine Contractors Association have made a lasting impact on the industry, and his commitment to safety is an inspiration to us all.
This year’s Subsea Expo Awards were a celebration of the UK’s strength in the underwater industry, and the winners are a testament to the innovation, safety, and technological advancements that are driving the sector forward. As the industry continues to evolve, these companies and individuals will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
