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The 2026 Seawork Awards winners were announced at a packed ceremony last night in the Waterfront Restaurant, a celebratory end to the first day of Europe's largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition.
The Seawork Awards – sponsored by Nova Shipyard – celebrated the outstanding individuals and innovative companies that comprise the vibrant and productive commercial marine industry.
The awards evening was hosted by Maritime Journal editor Debbie Mason and was supported by MC & DJ Mark Covell.
Debbie began with the announcement of the Innovations Showcase Category Award winners, that were sponsored for a second year by the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) 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 12 months since the last Seawork Exhibition.
The Innovations Category Awards went to:
Subsea and Underwater Intervention - Dynautics with Phantom 2
Vessel Design & Construction - ScaffFloat, with its Hoisted Access Solution
Marine Equipment & Electronics - Boat Lift for its Pelican Mobile Dockside Lift
Marine Power & Propulsion (Electrification & Future Fuels) - OS Energy, Tubercle-Assisted Propeller
Autonomous & Remote Operations - BMT for its Remote Operating Centre Simulator
Security & Safety - Seago, for its Rapid Lifejacket
Superyacht Connect - Mimo Connect, with its MIMO Curve
Environmental / Renewable Energy- Ecomotus for its EcoPro Hydrogen Electrolyser
The coveted ‘Spirit of Innovation’ trophy was presented to; ST Engineering, for its ZAEL Sight.
Debbie then welcomed the sponsors of the category awards to the stage who presented the following awards:
The Maritime Sustainability Award sponsored by Suzuki Clean Ocean Project went to Tidal Transit for e-Ginny, the world’s first diesel to electric CTV retrofit, as well as an onshore charging station and an offshore wind turbine based-charger.
The Marine Civils Best Project Award sponsored by Port Strategy was awarded to ScaffFloat who built two bespoke pontoons, then trialled, dismantled, shipped and then rebuilt them in Africa.
The Young Person's Development Award, sponsored by The Workboat Association, went to Harry Chase Smith from Brockenhurst College who, the judges felt. stood out in a closely contested group for showing the commitment to move from South Africa, excelled in his exams, and became the only pre-cadet to secure a cadetship from Carnival UK.
The Maritime Professional of the Year Award sponsored by Nova Shipyard was presented to Richard Brooks from Williams Shipping, for his outstanding contribution to the workboat sector, his tireless advocacy for training and safety, and his exceptional leadership of the Workboat Association, we recognise Richard Brooks, a respected industry leader whose influence will be felt across the maritime community for many years to come.
The award for Outstanding Contribution, sponsored by the Maritime Journal, went to Jeremy Dale OBE from SeaSafe.
Jeremy has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing maritime safety through innovation, technical excellence and industry leadership.
His work has transformed life-saving equipment at sea, delivering practical solutions that have improved protection and survival outcomes for seafarers around the world. A recognised inventor, industry pioneer and recipient of an OBE for Services to Maritime Safety, their influence extends far beyond product development, helping to shape safety standards and best practice across the sector.
His career represents a remarkable combination of innovation, dedication and lasting impact on maritime safety.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Mercator Media, was presented by Mercator Media's CEO, Andrew Webster and awarded to Andrew Moll, Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
Andrew has dedicated almost five decades to maritime and public service, leaving an enduring mark on safety across the UK marine sector.
Through exceptional leadership, a commitment to transparency, and a focus on learning rather than blame, he has helped shape safety culture throughout the industry. Andrew's influence can be seen in the practices of operators, regulators and seafarers alike.
Respected for his integrity, expertise and unwavering commitment to protecting those at sea, Andrew's contribution will continue to be felt for many years to come.
The high calibre judging panel for this year’s Seawork Awards included:
Debbie Mason, Editor, Maritime Journal
Jake Frith, Maritime journalist
Jo Assael, Yachts Commercial Director, British Superyacht ambassador
Amy Mullins, ROV Team, National Oceanography Centre (NOC)
Rhys Jones, Head of Competence & Training, IMCA
Noel Tomlinson, Maritime Sector Senior Leader & Strategist, BMT
