Crest of a wave! 'Outstanding' winners celebrate at the third annual Maritime UK Solent Awards

The region’s world-leading maritime sector has been celebrated at the third annual Maritime UK Solent Awards.

Winners at the event, held at the Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl, ranged from maritime apprentices and those championing diversity to marine innovators and global traders.

The awards shine a spotlight on the region’s maritime excellence over the past year and highlight the extraordinary achievements and successes of the Solent’s maritime industry.

Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chair of Maritime UK Solent, said:  “The Maritime UK Solent Awards continues to be a fantastic celebration of the very best that our regional maritime sector has to offer.

“This event provides a platform on which to showcase the breadth and exceptional performance of our industry, from the smallest innovators to the largest global players, and highlights the immense diversity and strength of our maritime community.

“This year has been outstanding, with the competition stronger than ever, and a clear reflection of how these awards continue to grow year on year as our industry flourishes.

“One of the big reflections of winners, is how their business has flourished since winning an award, in terms of new markets and new connections – and some have gone on to be recognised nationally and internationally.

Anne-Marie Mountifield

“It has been a privilege for Maritime UK Solent to provide this platform for such prestigious maritime organisations, acknowledging the remarkable achievements and incredible talent within the Solent.

“Each year, I am inspired by the level of innovation, leadership, and commitment showcased by all our finalists and winners.”

This year’s awards attracted applications from more maritime-related organisations than ever for the 12 categories.

It also saw an increase in the number of guests attending the ceremony.

The Maritime UK Solent Awards 2024 winners are:

• Apprentice/Cadet of the Year Award – Noorhantosha Sharrai, BAE Systems Maritime Services 

• Clean Maritime Innovator Award – RAD Propulsion

• Diversity Champion Award – Carnival UK

• Future Skills Award – Robosys Automation

• International Partnership & Global Trade Award – Griffon Hoverwork

• Large Business of the Year – BAE Systems Maritime Services

• Maritime Legacy Award – Edward and Carolyn Philips, Portsmouth Sail Training Trust

• Net Zero Navigator Award – Wightlink

• Small Business of the Year Award – Solent Stevedores

• Start-up of the Year Award – Anchoright Ltd

• Sustainability Leadership Award – Royal Navy

• Technology Game-Changer Award – Archipelago Expedition Yachts

One of the new categories that proved popular and attracted a high number of strong entries was the Sustainability Leadership Award, won by Lee ‘George’ Reeves a Warrant Officer in the Royal Navy.

Lee said: “This is fantastic recognition and demonstrates we’re doing good work.

“Climate change is a trickier challenge than others. We’ve got to find our own way and it’s a cultural change bringing people on board and doing the right thing.”

Maritime UK Solent said it was particularly proud to celebrate those at the start of their maritime careers, recognising the importance of attracting skilled young people to the industry.

Noorhantosha Sharrai, from BAE Systems Maritime Services, won the Apprentice or Cadet of the Year Award.

Noorhantosha said: “I’m mind-blown for getting this award.

“It’s an honour to be recognised for all my achievements among the other finalists.”