The 2023 European Commercial Marine Awards (ECMA's) winners have been announced, Tuesday June 13, during a packed ceremony held at the Waterfront Restaurant on site on the first day of Seawork, Europe's largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition.

The ECMA’s, sponsored by Siemens Financial Services, celebrated the outstanding individuals and innovative companies that comprise the vibrant and productive commercial marine industry.

The awards evening, hosted by Neil Sackley who was part of The H2O Show team at BBC Radio Solent, began with the announcement of the Innovations Showcase Category Award winners. The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) sponsored the Innovations Showcase and the winners were presented with their awards by SMI’s CEO, Tom Chant MBE.

The Innovations Showcase gives exhibitors the opportunity to demonstrate the latest in equipment, services, projects, and vessels introduced in the last 12 months since the last Seawork Exhibition.

The Innovations Category Awards went to:

HST Marine in the Vessel Design & Construction category for HST Frances.
"If you are trying to make a vessel as environmentally friendly as possible, this hybrid vessel is the number one."

E-Propulsion in the Marine Power category for I-series electrical inboard.
"this is filling a gap in the market we haven't yet filled, and we can see huge potential."

Dacoma in the Marine Equipment, Electronics & Materials category for Air Keel.
"A truly innovative stabiliser which prevents rocking and rolling, reducing the number of days that crews are unable to work because of rough seas."

Frog Environmental in the Diving & Underwater Technology category for Bubble tubing for costal sound attenuation.
"A simple and effective bubble covering solution that minimises underwater noise we considered really innovative."

Searchmaster in the Safety & Training category for SL680 searchlight.
"A searchlight that stays fixed on an object no matter how much the vessel is pitching is vital for recovery. A true life saver."

The overall Spirit of Innovation award was presented to Searchlight for SL680 searchlight;
"Saving lives has to be the most important thing in the commercial marine!"

The Maritime Sustainability Award sponsored by Southampton Freight Services and presented by Ross Negus went to Windcat Workboats.

The judges noted the quality of the entries and acknowledged the use of battery powered propulsion systems. Windcat Workboats ticked all the boxes regarding a commitment to decarbonisation, using Hydrogen as its chosen fuel, while offering the flexibility of retrofit to ensure that this is a solution for now, not just the future.

The Maritime Civils Best Project Award presented by Debbie Mason of Maritime Journal went to Teignmouth Maritime Services Ltd, for their project “Deep Water Berth Deepening Works for BAE Systems, Glasgow”

The judges were impressed with the sheer diversity of engineering skillsets deployed on this particular project. The levels of complexity and the fact that the number of dive hours was undertaken with zero incidents reported.. The judges noted that diving was conducted in zero visibility and that the divers were coached beforehand using VR simulations which was particularly impressive!

The Young Person's Development Award, sponsored by Volvo Penta and presented by Michelle Bartlett, Head of Apprenticeships went to Seren Nix of Brockenhurst College.

All judges agreed that Seren's entry was not only a compelling pitch for the award but that she has already demonstrated an enormous commitment to her career and that awarding her the bursary will directly impact on her immediate development. We look forward to celebrating when she is appointed Chief Engineer in the future!

The Maritime Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by Chartwell Marine and presented last year's winner Andy Page, went to Jason Parker of Farra Marine.

Jason was voted as winner of Maritime Professional of the year through receiving the most votes from his peers within the commercial marine industry! Some of his peers commented:
'An outstanding individual who's helped to change and reform the standing of CTV crews’ position of importance in the renewables energy sector. Championing his crews and ensuring that the crews are no longer seen as disposable components to the operation, but an integral, vital, and reliable gear in the machine that without, the sector would not function. He's proven himself as a dependable, honourable, and trustful professional who is always approachable and understanding no matter the situation.'

'Jason has been a dedicated and accomplished maritime professional for over 20 years. He has a wealth of experience in all aspects of the maritime industry, including shipping, port operations, and marine safety.'

The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Mercator Media & Maritime Journal, was presented by Mercator Media's CEO, Andrew Webster and was awarded to The UK Harbour Masters Association, which this year is celebrating its 30th Anniversary.

The high calibre judging panel for this year’s ECMA's included:
Debbie Mason - Editor - Maritime Journal
Tom Chant MBE – CEO - Society of Maritime Industries (SMI)
Kerrie Forster – CEO - The Workboat Association
Taira Caton – CEO – Association of Diving Contractors (ADC)
Martin Willis – CEO – UK Harbour Masters Association (UKHMA)
Andrew Webster – CEO - Mercator Media
Ian Cooke - CEO - C-QUIP and former British Marine President
Peter Crosland - CEO - Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA)
Debbie Mason - Editor - Maritime Journal
Jake Frith - Freelance Marine Journalist