Marine-i, which is part-funded by the EU and was set up to boost Research and Innovation in the marine sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, has announced the winners of its first New Horizons Awards.

This industry awards scheme was created to spotlight exceptional business talent and innovation in the marine technology sector in the region. The presentation to the three winners was made by Richard Noble OBE, who famously smashed the world land speed record, at a special event hosted at China Fleet Country Club, Saltash.

The Business Growth Award was won by marine contractor KML Ltd. The Marine-i judges were very impressed with the exceptional growth that KML has achieved and the way that it has grasped new business opportunities. These include securing Falmouth Wharves to create a base for KML and other marine businesses to grow.

The Technology Innovation Award went to ARC Marine, which is the first eco-engineering company in the UK that specialises in artificial reefs. Their outstanding innovation is Reef Cubes. These combine to form a robust and simple interlocking modular system that is ideal for restoring complex marine environments.

The Cornwall First Award was presented to Triskel Marine, who are one of the leading innovators in hybrid propulsion systems. Triskel’s pioneering work has attracted worldwide interest and, as a result, has helped to promote Cornwall as a leading region for marine technology innovation.

KML’s Managing Director, Diccon Rogers, says: “We are delighted to receive this award and to see our company’s work recognised by such a prestigious group of judges. KML is committed to continued growth as a forward-thinking marine contractor and to the development of Falmouth Wharves as a marine hub, which will allow Cornwall to strengthen its marine capabilities and service offering to the international market.”

Marine-i Project Leader, Professor Lars Johanning of the University of Exeter, said: “Many congratulations to these three exceptional winners. The quality and diversity of the entries we received was a perfect illustration of the unique strength of Cornwall’s marine technology sector. The Marine-i team is building on this by supporting further ground-breaking innovation from the many pioneering marine businesses that are now operating across Cornwall.”

Full details on the Marine-i programme can be seen here.