Maritime Solent Awards honour 15 winners shaping region's success. 23rd October Maritime leaders, innovators and rising stars were celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony honouring the best of the Solent region. The fifth Maritime Solent Awards took place on October 22, at the Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl, with more than 300 industry figures in attendance. Fifteen winners were recognised for their achievements across the maritime sector, with honours spanning skills development, innovation, sustainability, and long-term contribution to the industry. Maritime Legacy Award presented by sponsor James Barnes at MDL Marina, to winner Ray Facey at Solent Stevedores (Image: Steve Phyall) Stuart Baker, chief executive of Maritime Solent, said: "The Maritime Solent Awards are a celebration of the people, organisations and innovations that make its region one of the leading maritime clusters in the world. "Congratulations to all its winners and finalists, who represent the ambition, talent and ingenuity that continue to drive its sector forward. "It was fantastic to bring our maritime community together to recognise these achievements and celebrate another outstanding year for the Solent." Future Maritime Skills - Large Business Award presented by sponsor Anoushka Ottley at South Hampshire College Group to winners BAE Systems and Solent Careers Hub (Image: Steve Phyall) The Maritime Legacy category, which honours individuals who have made a lasting impact on the industry, was awarded to two recipients this year: Ray Facey of Solent Stevedores and Dan Hook of RAD. Mr Hook said: "It's a huge honour, thank you very much. "The maritime sector has been a big part of my life." Mr Facey reflected on the meaning of the award. He said: "Working with the port and the logistics industry is not only important to the economy but it's the people who work within the port that are the salt of the earth and they all deserve recognition. "I'm very proud to be here and greatly honoured to receive this award." Maritime Legacy Award presented by sponsor James Barnes at MDL Marina, to winner winner Dan Hook (RAD Propulsion) (Image: Steve Phyall) Other winners included Aidan Kirby of Princess Cruises, named Maritime Apprentice of the Year, and LET Jolean Ottley of the Royal Navy, who was named Maritime Cadet of the Year. Portsmouth International Port took home the Clean Maritime Innovator award, while Red Funnel in Southampton was recognised for Diversity in Maritime. Meachers Global Logistics in Nursling was named Maritime Logistics Operator of the Year, and Marine Cranes won Maritime Start-up of the Year. Maritime Start-up of the Year Award presented by sponsor Lee Hudson at Red Funnel to winners Marine Cranes (Image: Steve Phyall) Attis Engineering Solutions Ltd was honoured for Maritime Business Services Excellence, and SubSea Craft Ltd received the Maritime Technology Game Changer award, which was sponsored by the Daily Echo. Force Development Services Ltd in Fareham took home Maritime Defence Supply Chain Enterprise of the Year, while GT Wings in Southampton was named Maritime SME of the Year. The Future Maritime Skills awards went to Solent Careers Hub and BAE Systems in the large business category and Bridgemary School in the small business category, while XB44 Ltd in Segensworth was named Maritime Micro Business of the Year.

SubSea Craft partners with Global Technical Systems to scale US autonomous maritime production. * 22 October 2026 * Edited By: Haley McQueen SubSea Craft (SSC) continues to expand its US presence through a collaboration with Global Technical Systems (GTS), enhancing its ability to manufacture, integrate, and scale autonomous maritime systems for US customers. The partnership combines SSC's expertise in autonomous maritime technology with GTS's extensive engineering and manufacturing capabilities, enabling the scalable production of autonomous maritime systems while strengthening SSC's ability to deliver at pace, expanding technical expertise in Virginia Beach, and supporting a resilient US-based supply chain. As SSC continues to expand its presence in the US, GTS will provide access to its 630,000 sq. ft. advanced manufacturing and integration facility in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The facility supports engineering, prototyping, production, and testing activities, while benefiting from the region's established maritime infrastructure and stakeholder groups, enabling rapid transition from development to fielded capability. The partnership complements SSC's recent announcement regarding a dedicated composites manufacturing facility in Hancock County, Mississippi. This planned investment complements GTS's expertise in electrical manufacturing and strengthens SSC's ability to deliver products efficiently, increase production capacity, and support growing customer demand across the US defense market. Camilla Martin, CEO of SubSea Craft, said: "The US is a strategically important market for SubSea Craft, and we're continuing to invest in the partnerships and infrastructure needed to support our long-term growth there. Working with GTS strengthens our ability to scale production and deliver capability closer to the customer, helping transform innovative technology into deployable solutions that can support evolving operational requirements." Terry Spitzer, CEO of GTS, said: "The strength of the US-UK alliance is built on shared resolve and the ability to deliver. This partnership brings British innovation and American engineering and manufacturing together on the production floor in Virginia Beach, equipping our forces with advanced maritime capabilities to deter threats, defend our freedom and prevail when called upon." Don't miss the headlines. ON&T's top news, every week. More in Milestones

SubSea Craft appoints Matthew Zirkle as CEO of US arm. Retired US Navy Rear Admiral Matthew Zirkle has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SubSea Craft USA, to lead the company's expansion of its US presence. October 22, 2026 CEO of US arm. SubSea Craft (SSC) has appointed Matthew Zirkle as the CEO of SubSea Craft USA, marking a significant step in the company's continued expansion across the United States. The appointment reflects SSC's investment in its US presence, supporting the company's long-term growth ambitions and increasing its ability to deliver advanced maritime technologies to US customers. The announcement comes at a pivotal time for SSC as the company accelerates its expansion across the United States. Building on growing customer engagement and investment in its US presence, SSC is strengthening its operations, partnerships and industrial capability. The appointment also supports SSC's broader international expansion as the company continues to grow across key allied markets such as Australia. Camilla Martin, CEO of SubSea Craft, said: "We're entering an exciting phase of growth in the United States and Matt's appointment reflects our commitment to building a scalable and sustainable business in the region." "His experience leading defence organisations, combined with his understanding of both customer requirements and the wider maritime industry, makes him exceptionally well placed to support our continued expansion and help drive the next phase of growth for SubSea Craft USA." Finding new ways to advance solutions for complex maritime challenges. Matthew brings extensive leadership experience across defence, maritime industry and business operations, having held President and CEO roles within the defence sector and led the growth of organisations supporting military and maritime customers. Combined with his experience as a retired Rear Admiral in the US Navy, Matthew brings a strong understanding of both defence customer requirements and maritime capability development as SSC continues to grow its presence in the United States. Matthew Zirkle, CEO of SubSea Craft USA, said: "I am honoured to lead SubSea Craft US as the company expands into this important market. The United States and its allies need new ways to meet increasingly complex maritime challenges and SubSea Craft is bringing forward advanced capabilities designed for that environment. I look forward to working with our customers and industry partners to build a strong US presence and deliver mission solutions that make a meaningful difference." In his new role, Zirkle will lead SSC's US operations, focusing on accelerating growth, strengthening partnerships across government and industry and expanding the company's ability to deliver innovative maritime capabilities to customers.