Client: ACUA Ocean

Project: Clean Maritime Demonstrator Programme

Sector: Climatetech & Startups

Service: Business Development, R&D grant funding

Challenge

The oceans and “blue economy” is estimated to deliver US$3tr economic value by 2030, yet we lack the technology to sustainably and cost-effectively protect and manage our oceans and waterways.

To solve this challenge, ACUA Ocean developed a hydrogen-powered USV (H-USV) for safety, security and environmental monitoring and management of offshore infrastructure, ports, and marine protected areas. With an endurance of 70 days at 5knots, ACUA Ocean’s vessels can track vessels and provide environmental data using a suite of onboard sensors.

Our Role & Impact

Urban Frontiers worked with ACUA Ocean over three rounds of the Clean Maritime Demonstrator competition, an Innovate UK programme to develop innovative clean maritime and smart shipping projects.

Guided ACUA Ocean from initial application to independent bid writing capability through strategic coaching and support, upskilling the team to ensure the highest probability of success in future grants.

Secured £7.7m in grant funding across seven successful applications, achieving an unprecedented 87.5% success rate in the Clean Maritime Demonstrator competition.