Maritime UK Solent showcases regional investment potential at London International Shipping Week

Maritime UK (MUK) Solent brought together maritime businesses from the Solent with investors at the Maritime UK Global Trade Hub as part of London International Shipping Week 2023. 

MUK Solent stepped onto the international stage at the UK’s biggest maritime event, regarded as one of the most important shipping events in the world. 

Sharing the stage with the Rt. Hon. Penny Mordaunt MP, Daniel B. Maffei, Chairman of the US Federal Maritime Commission, and the Department for Business and Trade, Maritime UK Solent highlighted the Solent's flourishing maritime sector, and hosted an influential Solent Investment Showcase, enabling thriving marine businesses to pitch to UK and international investors.   

Maritime UK Solent Chair Anne-Marie Mountifield and Managing Director Stuart Baker hosted the networking event on 14 September, where each maritime business was invited to pitch for investment to support their future growth.  There was a common theme of clean maritime across all the great businesses that pitched - demonstrating the credentials of the Solent maritime sector in driving change in the sector through innovation and a pioneering spirit. 

Solent organisations taking part were Chartwell Marine; Ecomar Propulsion; Griffon Hoverwork; Kraken Technology Group; Optima Projects; RAD Propulsion; Seabot Maritime; and Vulcan Offshore. 

Anne-Marie Mountifield said: “Our Investors event was very successful and placed us at the heart of the action at London International Shipping Week.

“Every one of the Solent maritime businesses made excellent pitches for investment and left all the delegates in no doubt that there is huge innovation and collective excellence on offer in the Solent’s maritime industry. 

“We are confident that the event will lead to more regional investment and future success for the maritime companies who took part and boost the region’s economic prosperity. The Solent is leading the way in shaping the future of maritime and there is an enormous amount of potential in our region.” 

MUK Solent was also highlighted at the Maritime UK Regional hosted by Maritime UK and the Department of Transport (DfT). 

Stuart Baker said: “Taking part in London International Shipping Week has been an excellent opportunity for MUK Solent to showcase the brilliant maritime sector we have here in the Solent.  

“We are grateful for Maritime UK for its work to promote the growth of maritime communities across the UK.  At Maritime UK Solent, we are proud to work with our friends from across the UK's maritime regions to support prosperity and levelling up.  This regional spotlight event was very well received and shone a spotlight on the varied and flourishing maritime sector that exists in the UK.  

“We are regarded as a powerhouse for British maritime and are proud to have achieved this recognition for the Solent’s successful maritime cluster, setting the highest standard for future growth.”