Southampton: UK leader in maritime research and economy

Marine robotics company Ocean Infinity have opened a purpose built facility in Southampton.

The location of their new site is thanks in no small part to the fact that Southampton Port is a national leader in the development and implementation of ocean green technologies.

Dan Hook, Chief Technology Officer at Ocean Infinity, said: “Our business develops and deploys innovative technology with a view to reinventing traditional ways of doing things, in such a way that’s better for people, and the planet.

"We chose Southampton as our business location as it supports our growth ambitions."

The Port will soon offer ships two quayside rechargeable connections, one at the new Horizon Cruise Terminal and a second at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal. This will allow port management to reduce emissions.

The infrastructure allows compatible cruise ships to ‘plug-in’ to mains, meaning zero emissions while berthed.

The Port of Southampton contributes £2.5 billion (approx) to the UK economy per annum. This is likely to increase due to the ports partnership with the Solent Freeport initiative.

As one of eight Freeports announced by the Government, this link up has the potential to attract £1 billion investment, create 16,000 local jobs in the Solent region and support the UK’s aspirations of becoming a global Britain.

It is easy to see then how Southampton Port has recently welcomed the relocation of world-leading maritime innovator and robotics company Ocean Infinity to a purpose-built riverside location.

Dan Hook, Ocean Infinity, said: “With access to a rich talent pool helping us find the good people we need to grow our team, we already employ 75 people in Southampton and have plans to grow even more to add to our 500-strong global team.

“One application of our robotic tech is in marine mobility; the movement of people and goods on waterways. We are excited about several projects around the Southampton and Solent region where we aim to have zero emission vessels providing water taxis and eventually ‘last blue mile’ freight services.

"We hope this can help the movement of people in and around the city which of course in turn will help us in our efforts to attract great local talent.

“Southampton is well renowned as the maritime hub of the UK and that in itself along with the city’s rich maritime history, makes it a great place from which to launch the first of our remotely operated vessels.”

Read more - UK Shore to invest £206million in green sea initatives