As we finish up our 2024 award cycle, we take a look back at our 2023 winners with an update about what they have accomplished this year with the help of our awards. In 2023 the Transportation Hub Innovation Award (aka the Ports Award) recipient was AnchorGuardian by Swiss Ocean Tech Ltd, the Neptune Award recipient was REMORA Technical, and the WW Orcelle® Award recipient was Helix Power.
2023 Transportation Hub (aka Ports) Award Winner, AnchorGuardian by Swiss Ocean Tech Ltd., monitors the position and absolute movements of a ship’s anchor. A patented technology, that offers a complete range of intelligent data throughout the anchoring procedure. The technology immediately recognizes anchor drag thus has the ability to minimize the risk of groundings, collisions and environmental damage.
Since they were awarded $100,000 from Ocean Exchange last year, Swiss Ocean Tech has had several noteworthy accomplishments to share. Two of their high-profile successes include the DAME Design Special Mention and the Innovation World Cup Win at Hannover Messe, as well as participation in numerous industry specific events for Superyacht Captains. The highlight of the year was realizing their first customer installation in Palma and receiving Lloyds class certification on their anchor module series product.
2023 Neptune Award Winner, REMORA Technical, LLC has a non-invasive, long-term method of tracking migratory marine species. Reliable data collection is difficult in a turbulent underwater environment, especially when it relies on device adhesion to marine animals. Using the REMORA like system for device attachment, data can be collected for longer and sensing apparatuses can be deployed, collected, and reused more effectively.
Work on the main attachment mechanism continues with the goal of completing by the end of 2024. This year, REMORA has been able to 3D print and troubleshoot several iterations of their design. With that knowledge, they have been able to move forward with a faster and more efficient printer.
Dr. Flammang was able to obtain grant funding (managed via the New Jersey Institute of Technology) from both NOAA via IRA funding. These are focused on different aspects of technology required for development and testing. These grants allow her to work on the application full time.
Additionally, as of Monday, REMORA has submitted their package applying for NSF Phase 1 SBIR funding focused on commercialization. By combining the results from these ventures, they are well on their way to a commercial launch.
2023 Award Winner, Helix Power kinetic batteries represent a key enabling technology for zero-emission port operations by improving power quality and allowing for deep electrification of port systems. Helix Power kinetic batteries are designed to moderate short cycle peaks in energy demand inherent to port operations. This same moderating capability enables incorporation of renewable generation, by attenuating the intermittent delivery from those sources.
This year, Helix was one of twenty companies selected from 400+ applicants to participate in the Venture for ClimateTech program and recently presented during Climate Week in New York City. Helix has made advancements in component manufacturing of some of the major structural components of their system and are looking to finalize the power electronics. Helix is actively seeking port partners for initial deployment opportunities and data exchange.”
Ocean Exchange 2024 took place on October 27th-29th in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and we now have a new class of winners for 2024. If you would like additional information about the event or our awards process in general, please reach out to Susan.Zellers@oceanexchange.org
