Maritime Innovation Award

Presented by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects in partnership with QinetiQ. Recognising exceptional research and innovation in hydrodynamics, propulsion, structures, and materials.

 

About the award

The Maritime Innovation Award celebrates the vital contributions of engineers and scientists whose research and technological breakthroughs advance maritime vessel design, construction, and operations.

It recognises innovations that enhance performance, sustainability, and efficiency across the global maritime industry.

Sponsor

QinetiQ, a leading science and engineering company, partners with RINA as a sponsor and judge for the Maritime Innovation Award, promoting technological advancements in marine design.

What advice would you give to future applicants of the Maritime Innovation Award?

“Applying for the Maritime Innovation Award is a significant opportunity to showcase your innovative solutions and contribute to the advancement of the maritime industry. My advice for future applicants:

  • Focus on innovation and impact: Clearly demonstrate how your project or technology is innovative, what makes it unique compared to existing solutions, and how it addresses specific challenges in the maritime industry.
  • Demonstrate its impact: Show the potential impact of your innovation on the industry. Whether it’s improving efficiency, enhancing safety, reducing environmental impact, or driving cost savings, be sure to quantify and articulate the benefits.
  • Emphasise sustainability: Highlight any environmental benefits of your innovation. Solutions that contribute to sustainability, such as reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, or minimising ecological impacts, are highly valued.”

– Andrew Peters, QinetiQ

Watch the full interview here

Who is eligible?

Individuals

Individual professionals engaged in the maritime sector are invited to showcase their pioneering research or developments in hydrodynamics, propulsion, structures, and materials by applying for the Maritime Innovation Award. This award seeks to recognize and celebrate individual contributions that push the boundaries of maritime technology and engineering.

companies

Maritime companies at the forefront of innovation are encouraged to submit their entries for the Maritime Innovation Award, which honors outstanding technological achievements in hydrodynamics, propulsion, structures, and materials. This award aims to highlight corporate efforts that significantly advance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of maritime operations

What you can win

Winning the Maritime Innovation Award gives you recognition across the maritime sector and the chance to showcase your work to a global audience.

Award presented at the Annual Dinner
You'll receive your award at RINA’s Annual Dinner, attended by more than 300 maritime professionals, industry leaders, and academics.

Permission to use the winner’s logo
You can use the official Maritime Innovation Award winner’s logo in your reports, presentations, website, and promotional materials.

Promotion on RINA’s platforms
Winners are highlighted on the RINA website and social media channels, giving your work strong visibility across the international community.

Feature in RINA publications
Your project may be included in The Naval Architect or other RINA magazines, helping your innovation reach a wider technical audience.

Opportunities to share your work
Winners may be invited to speak at RINA conferences or webinars, offering valuable exposure and networking opportunities.

Professional recognition
The award is a respected mark of achievement and can help strengthen your professional profile within the maritime industry.

Nominations

Nominations may be made by any member of the global maritime community, and will be judged by a panel of RINA members and QinetiQ. 

Nominations may be up to 750 words and should describe the research and its potential contribution to improving the design, construction and operation of maritime vessels and structures. 

Nominations should be made by emailing  

Deadline for submissions to be considered for 2026 is the 31st December 2025.

past winners

2025

SRC Group

The development of the Methanol Superstorage solution that is a new and unique space saving methanol storage solution that will allow existing ships and newbuilds to play a full role in energy transition. Click Here

2023

STADT AS

Ship electric propulsion

2022

Prof Noriyuki Sasaki

Gate rudder system

2021

SHELL Ltd & Silverstream Tech Ltd

Installation of energy efficient technology air lubrication system on LNG carrier

2020

Conoship International B.V.

ECONOWIND – wind-assisted ship propulsion