King’s Award for Enterprise hails UK marine firms for innovation

Ocean Signal and Solent Rib Charters have both received a King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category.

They were two of 185 organisations to receive a King’s Award for Enterprise in 2026. The programme, previously known as the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, marks its 60th edition this year and operates as a national recognition scheme for business performance and innovation. Recipients are allowed to use the award emblem for five years following recognition.

Ocean Signal was recognised for the development of its rescueME PLB3 personal locator beacon, a device aimed at improving emergency response.

The UK-based manufacturer produces safety equipment for maritime, outdoor, defence and aviation markets.

The unit also incorporates Return Link Service (RLS), which provides confirmation that a distress signal has been received, alongside mobile connectivity. These features can support faster identification and recovery during rescue operations, particularly in time-sensitive situations.

The PLB3 previously received the overall award at the Metstrade Dame Design Awards in 2022.

James Hewitt, managing director of Ocean Signal, says: “This award represents a proud milestone for the entire Ocean Signal team.

“We set out to develop the world’s first AIS-equipped PLB knowing it presented a unique challenge, with significant barriers to overcome in design, in the utilisation of multiple levels of signal technology and in the establishment of a new regulatory approval pathway. Highly motivated by the opportunity to transform survival outcomes and save more lives, the Ocean Signal team not only developed a pioneering solution, but also opened the door for future innovations.

“We are therefore incredibly grateful to receive the King’s Award recognition for the PLB3 and will use it as powerful inspiration for our continued work in improving safety at sea.”

Ocean Signal designs and manufactures a range of emergency signalling equipment, including EPIRBs, PLBs, man overboard devices, search and rescue transponders, VHF radios and electronic distress flares.

Solent Rib Charters hailed for CRC Walrus

Another marine firm that claimed a King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category was Solent Rib Charters, which won for the development and operation of CRC Walrus, an amphibious crew transfer vessel designed to commercial standards for offshore windfarm use.

Based in Lymington, Hampshire, the company develops and charters high-performance RIBs and shallow-draught vessels for commercial marine work across the UK and Europe. CRC Walrus was introduced in February 2023 to address access constraints at offshore wind sites where tidal conditions limit the use of conventional crew transfer vessels.

CRC Walrus is configured to transition from displacement to amphibious mode within minutes. This allows it to move from open water onto exposed sand, supporting technician transfer at any state of tide. The firm says this approach helps to provide consistent access for maintenance activity and also reduces downtime associated with tidal limits.