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Email News August 2020


Welcome to the August 2020 Email Newsletter from Marine South East

If you would like to submit an article for consideration please email the text and a suitable image or logo to sj@mseuk.org


Posted 2020-07-17 10:39:32


UK Government announces more grants for small businesses to support COVID-19 recovery

The UK Government has announced £20 million of new funding to support small businesses as they recover from COVID-19.

Small and medium sized businesses will have access to grants of between £1,000 - £5,000 to help them access new technology and other equipment as well as professional, legal, financial or other advice to help them get back on track.

It comes on top of an unprecedented package of Government support to help businesses to recover, including the £2 billion Kickstart Scheme which will create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country, as well as £1.6 billion invested in scaling up employment support schemes, training and apprenticeships to help people looking for a job.

The funding being provided to businesses is supported by the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The funding has been allocated to Growth Hubs within each LEP area in line with the current ERDF Programme.

More information as well details of the funding allocated to each Growth Hub can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/20-million-in-new-grants-to-boost-recovery-of-small-businesses


Posted 2020-07-31 11:38:59


Could flow batteries provide a viable and cost effective solution for reducing emissions in shipping?

Findings from a 6 month feasibility study have demonstrated that flow batteries, which store energy in fluid electrolytes, could offer a more cost effective and flexible solution to reducing ships emissions than conventional solid batteries. Flow batteries are less expensive, but larger, than solid batteries per kWh.

The Shore Power for Shipping (SPIDS) project was conducted by Swanbarton and Marine South East, with funding from the Department for Transport's Transport-Technology Research Innovation Grant (T-TRIG). The SPIDS project has concluded that the flow battery system studied is both scalable and viable, and reduced the peak power of the port's network connection to only 10-20% of the grid power required using solid batteries. A further study will consider ship design, but calculations indicate the technology is applicable to short-range ships with up to a 100-200 nautical mile range.

Shipping is one of the world's most polluting forms of transport and can contribute greatly to poor air quality in port towns. Electrification of shipping will greatly reduce emissions but conventional solid batteries are expensive, offer limited energy capacity and require high power from the grid to recharge in short 'berth times'. The SPIDS research project has concluded that flow batteries could offer a more cost-effective novel approach to the full electrification of short sea shipping.

Flow batteries store energy in fluid electrolytes which are pumped from tanks through the battery's electrochemical cells as the battery is charged and discharged. The project team has shown that the flow battery's benefits are scalable and that the energy capacity can be increased through larger electrolyte tanks. Electrolyte fluids are less expensive per kWh than solid batteries and the onshore recharging of spent electrolyte does not need to be limited to the ship's berth time which reduces the peak grid power required in the port.

The SPIDS project researched a simulation of a flow battery shore charging system for cross channel ferries visiting Portsmouth. The research details the size and quantity of electrolyte holding tanks that would be required and demonstrates that off-the-shelf pumps and pipes are viable for the installation. The research will pave the way for a study into the deployment of flow battery power on ships and ultimately a trial of the technology on a small vessel with an onshore charging system.

Anthony Price, MD of Swanbarton said, "With increasing commercial interest in flow batteries and the need to meet the objectives in the UK Clean Maritime Plan, now is the right time to look at how we can bring the benefits of energy storage to the shipping industry. The team at Swanbarton and MSE will continue to develop the business and technical case for flow batteries in shipping."

Jonathan Williams, CEO of Marine South East noted, "Decarbonisation of the maritime sector requires commercially-viable solutions for both ships and ports. At MSE we are committed to advancing solutions through collaborative innovation. The results of this SPIDS project are very encouraging and will lead to further collaborations and research which take us closer to our goal of zero emissions shipping and port operations."

Maritime Minister Kelly Tolhurst said, "We are determined to build the cleanest, greenest maritime sector in the world. The UK continues to be a leader in developing green maritime technology and this project highlights the viability of using flow batteries to power ships. This could have a massive impact on the way we transport our goods and move people across the globe."

More details about the project are available from Swanbarton as well as a one page summary of the project. https://swanbarton.com/


Posted 2020-07-17 10:43:12


Funding available for Advanced Propulsion Technologies

The Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator competition is a fast start competition designed to encourage UK industry to resume R&D after the Covid-19 pandemic, further accelerating the transition to zero emission vehicles. Applications for the Advanced Propulsion Technologies fund close 7th August 2020.

Innovate UK are looking for collaborative, business led late stage R&D projects that will demonstrate advanced propulsion technologies. The output of these projects must be in the form of a physical demonstrator.

Applications must explain how technologies developed will be significantly accelerated through their project, and must have clarity regarding how these products or processes could be brought to market.

The focus of this competition is to develop and realise the demonstration of capability that could lead to further business exploitation, utilising future low carbon powertrain technology as a key element in the UKs Transition to Zero activities.

Capability demonstration can be through a physical vehicle, or physical sub-systems that can be operated or displayed at the Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle event in 2021, as a key element of the dissemination requirements.

Project applications need to demonstrate how grant for their project will result in accelerated development of their product and a potential route to market. The development and realisation of the demonstrator needs to focus on future vehicle powertrain technology themes.

This competition and its format will not set a precedent for future competitions, and has been designed solely as a green initiative following Covid-19 recovery.

Project must start no later than 1st October 2020.

For more information please visit:

https://ktn-uk.co.uk/funding/advanced-propulsion-technologies-advanced-route-to-market-demonstrator


Posted 2020-07-28 10:30:45


Lateast newsletter from Atlantic Blue Ports project

The Atlantic Blue Ports project which is aiming to improve port based services for the discharge and treatment of ships effluents has published its latest newsletter which is full of updates and information.

Included in the newsletter are details of recent project update meetings and the testing of the InvaSave Ballast Water Treatment solution in Last Palmas, Gijon, Lisbon and Brest.

Also in the newsletter is a market analysis and economic feasibility study on mobile, shore-based ballast water treatment solutions.

To download a copy of the latest newsletter from the Atlantic Blue Ports project please visit:

http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/atlanticblueports/resources/files/Atlantic_Blue_Ports_Newsletter_3.pdf

For more general information on the project please visit:

http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/atlanticblueports/


Posted 2020-06-29 15:18:40


Entries open for DAME Design Awards at METS

Entries are being sought for the 30th edition of the DAME Design Award, which is exclusive for exhibitors attending this year’s METSTRADE (METS).

The DAME Design Award was launched in 1991 to focus attention on the art and science of design of leisure marine products in all aspects, from styling, functionality and innovation, through to ease of implementation, practicality of use - and even packaging. It is judged by a panel of top naval architects, boat, interior and industrial designers, plus user experts.

The DAME Design Award Jury carefully assess entries for overall design, build quality, functionality, and use of materials. Other factors taken into account are originality, ergonomics, and price/quality ratio.

Participation in the competition is open to manufacturers and authorized suppliers who are registered as exhibitors or co-exhibitors at the METSTRADE Show.

For more information and registration please visit:

https://www.metstrade.com/awards/dame-design-award/


Posted 2020-07-28 11:52:48


Solent University wins funding for sustainable marine technology project

Solent University has been awarded more than £160,000 to help develop sustainable maritime technology as part of the Technology and Innovation in UK Maritime Call, an initiatve by MarRI-UK supported by the Department of Transport.

Solent University was awarded £164,000 towards a £262,000 project, the Intelligent Ship Centre, or Ignite, led by the technology group Wartsila.

The project will provide an accurate, scaled demonstration of autonomous and remote technologies in maritime - supporting the business case for adopting these technologies.

For more information please read the Daily Article at the link below:

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/18586043.solent-university-wins-cash-work-maritime-tech/


Posted 2020-07-17 11:19:13


Department of Transport asking for ideas to decarbonise transport

The Department for Transport is conducting a consultation asking the public about their ideas for the steps we should take to reduce emissions from transport and creating a plan to ensure the UK transport is net zero in emissions by 2050. The consultation closes on 31st August 2020.

For more information and to submit your ideas please visit:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WF1I3C/


Posted 2020-07-28 10:52:12


Global Business Innovation Programme Focus on Marine Robotics to Canada - closing date for applications 3rd August 2020

Innovate UK's Funded Global Business Innovation Programme Focus on Surface and Underwater Marine Robotics systems and technologies to Canada closes for applications on 3rd August 2020.

Innovate UK's Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP), delivered by Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), is recruiting up to 15 ambitious innovative SMEs with emerging Surface & Underwater Marine Robotics systems & technologies.

As a successful applicant, you will benefit from an exclusive 12-month tailored wrap-around support programme delivered by a dedicated EEN Advisor, aimed at building innovation partnerships and fostering future international growth. The GBIP will kick-off with a preparation phase to establish your key objectives and provide essential tools and information before the first visit.

During the programme, there will be two Innovation Visits to Canada (subject to travel and other restrictions) taking place in November 2020 and June 2021. Each will consist of tailored site visits, introductions to key players, and exclusive networking opportunities with like-minded Canadian businesses.

In June 2021, you will benefit from a high-profile presence at the H2O: Home to Overseas Conference, Industry Showcase and Exhibition, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Between visits to Canada, you will get to meet with leading-edge industrial and research organisations at International B2B Matchmaking Events running in parallel to Oceanology International 2020 in London and Ocean Business 2021 in Southampton.

Canada has become a world leader in engineering products and services suited to extreme harsh ocean environments, marine remote sensing technologies, and ocean observing systems. More than half of Canada's $30-billion ocean economy is anchored in Atlantic Canada, including the key province of Nova Scotia. Companies here benefit from the strong synergy between the private sector, academia and government in the region, which has contributed to the growth of a robust ocean technology sector. Companies in the sector have a broad range of marine robotics systems, technologies and expertise suited to both surface and underwater vehicle applications.

With high-level commitments by the UK and Canada to cooperate in technology and innovation, supported by collaborative project funding through the EUREKA programme and Eurostars, this GBIP will offer you unparalleled opportunities for innovation and international growth.

This programme is aimed at Marine and Offshore Robotics sectors and is particularly relevant for businesses in the areas of Surface & Underwater Marine Robotics systems & technologies.

KEY DATES

Closing date for full application: 03 August 2020 12:00 noon

Successful applicants will be notified of selection by no later than 21 August 2020

Pre-Visit Briefing Workshop: 30 September 2020

Innovation Visit to Canada: 02 - 06 November 2020

Oceanology International 2020 with B2B matchmaking, Excel London: 01 - 03 December 2020

Post Visit Exploitation Workshop: 27 January 2021

Ocean Business 2021 with B2B matchmaking, Southampton: 13 - 15 April 2021

Pre-Visit Briefing Workshop: 05 May 2021

Innovation Visit to Canada: 06 - 11 June 2021

Post Visit Exploitation Workshop: 14 July 2021

For more information and to register your interest please visit:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-business-innovation-programme-focus-on-marine-robotics-to-canada-registration-110251924474


Posted 2020-07-28 11:39:32


Marine South East to speak at Virtual Islands Summit, 10th September 2020, online

Marine South East will be one of a host of speakers presenting details of low-carbon energy systems for islands as part of the ICE EU project, at the Virtual Islands Summit on 10th September 2020.

Supported by Interreg VA France (Channel) England, the Intelligent Community Energy (ICE) project aims to design and implement innovative smart energy solutions for isolated territories in the Channel area. The project designs and produces an innovative low-carbon energy system (smart grid), able to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emission of the territories concerned (50% to 100% compared to a fuel-based system) and secure energy access security. It covers the entire energy cycle from production to consumption, exploits local renewable energy sources and integrates new and existing technologies currently at different levels of readiness in order to deliver a comprehensive innovative solution.

The ICE Project presentation at the Virtual Islands Summit will address the issue of "Intelligent Energy Solutions for isolated territories: The Ushant Case Study."

Jonathan Williams, CEO of Marine South East will be one of the speakers talking about ICE project's aims to set up a smart energy grid on Ushant using renewable energy from a tidal turbine.

The Summit will enable the ICE project to showcase the ICE Territories Club, giving other islands the opportunity to join the initiative and benefit from the smart energy solutions the project is designing.

For more information on the ICE project please visit:

https://www.ice-interreg.eu/

To register to attend the Virtual Island Summit please visit:

https://www.islandinnovation.co/summit/

The ICE consortium brings together researcher and business support organizations in France and the UK, and engagement with SMEs will support project rollout and promote European cooperation.


Posted 2020-07-31 11:53:03


Webinar on Smart Grids and Island Energy Business Opportunities , 17th September 2020, online

Marine South East will be presenting at this online event to discuss the business opportunities for smart grid technologies with particular reference to isolated and island communities including port areas.

Smart grids are being developed on land, and are increasingly looking at how to incorporate marine renewable energy into the mix. Some examples of these are the Smart Energy Islands project involving the Isles of Scilly, and the ICE project focussing on Ushant and port communities.

Marine South East is collaborating with Marine-i and the EU funded ICE Project to host this webinar.

The first in a series of webinar will take place on Thursday 17th September 2020, 10am-12pm online.

Topics being discussed at this event include:

* Market opportunities for smart grid technology developers and providers
* Specific opportunities in isolated communities, ports and harbours and other geographically isolated scenarios
* Opportunities to create smart grids incorporating marine energy
* Marine-i and ICE opportunities for research assistance

To register your interest in attending this event please book now at the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/webinar-on-smart-grids-and-island-energy-business-opportunities-tickets-116088522897

In addition, there will be the opportunity to make introductions between potential supply chain businesses and academics, encouraging collaboration and networking, and to inform you about the support offers available through both the Marine-i project and ICE and how you can access them

Please note this session will be recorded.

There is no cost to attend this event; it is fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

There are eligibility criteria in order to receive direct support from the Marine-i programme. However, we welcome attendance from all interested stakeholders

The Intelligent Community Energy project (ICE) aims to design and implement innovative smart energy solutions for isolated territories in the Channel area. The Marine-i project aims to assist SME businesses in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly to develop innovative marine technology around the themes of low carbon, clean marine and coastal adaptation. There is some overlap between these programmes, and this webinar will explore the possibilities of collaboration between the two, to the best advantage of developing business opportunities for industry and the supply chain.


More information on speakers and topics will be sent prior to the event.


Posted 2020-07-31 12:06:10


Webinar on Business Opportunities for Marine Technologies and Smart Solutions for isolated territories including islands and ports, 1st October 2020, online

Marine South East will be presenting at this online event to discuss the business opportunities for smart grid technologies with particular reference to isolated and island communities including port areas.

Smart grids are being developed on land, and are increasingly looking at how to incorporate marine renewable energy into the mix. Some examples of these are the Smart Energy Islands project involving the Isles of Scilly, and the ICE project focussing on Ushant and port communities.

Marine South East is collaborating with Marine-i and the EU funded ICE Project to host this webinar.

The second in this series of webinars will take place on Thursday 1st October 2020, 10am-12pm online.

Topics being discussed in this webinar will include:

* Introduction to Marine-i smart grid support
* Introduction to ICE (Intelligent Community Energy) project
* Introduction to TIGER smart grid projects including current projects, progress, opportunities for commercialisation
* Opportunities for suppliers in the marine Smart Grid market including case studies
* Q and A panel

To register your interest in attending this event please book now at the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-opportunities-for-marine-technologies-and-smart-solutions-tickets-116089241045

In addition, there will be the opportunity to make introductions between potential supply chain businesses and academics, encouraging collaboration and networking, and to inform you about the support offers available through both the Marine-i project and ICE and how you can access them.

Please note this session will be recorded.

There is no cost to attend this event; it is fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

There are eligibility criteria in order to receive direct support from the Marine-i programme. However, we welcome attendance from all interested stakeholders

The Intelligent Community Energy project (ICE) aims to design and implement innovative smart energy solutions for isolated territories in the Channel area. The Marine-i project aims to assist SME businesses in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly to develop innovative marine technology around the themes of low carbon, clean marine and coastal adaptation. There is some overlap between these programmes, and this webinar will explore the possibilities of collaboration between the two, to the best advantage of developing business opportunities for industry and the supply chain.

Both Marine-i and the ICE project are now seeking to engage with firms, especially SMEs, interested to exploit the potential of this growth market.

More information on speakers and topics will be sent prior to the event.


Posted 2020-07-31 13:15:07