Companies at the forefront of the UK’s underwater industry have been recognised for their vital and innovative work as the 2026 Subsea Expo Award finalists are revealed.
Organised by Global Underwater Hub (GUH), the leading trade and industry development body for the UK’s underwater sectors, the prestigious awards dinner is a highlight of the annual Subsea Expo conference and exhibition.
The Subsea Expo Awards, which will be held at Aberdeen’s P&J Live on the evening of Wednesday 4 February, recognises and celebrates the companies and individuals who are driving innovation and delivering exceptional achievements across the subsea sector and wider underwater industry.
Nine awards will be presented at the black-tie event, which is expected to welcome around 450 guests.
In the Company of the Year Award (large – over 250 employees), the finalists have been named as GEOxyz, a European maritime data company, and SMD, a designer and manufacturer of subsea remotely operated and autonomous power and control solutions.
The Company of the Year Award (medium 50-250 employees) sees nominations for subsea cable and umbilical systems designer and manufacturer Fibron BX, marine consultancy Global Maritime and underwater technology company MacArtney UK.
Finalists in the Company of the Year Award (small – under 50 employees), which is sponsored by Deepsea Technologies UK, are subsea integrity software company Elementz, robotics company HPR ROV and transporting company Harlyn Solutions.
The Cross Sector Innovation Award recognises a company that has developed a technology or innovative solution that can be applied in more than one market sector or has contributed to the energy transition. In this category, HPR ROV, independent specialist engineering consultancy firm Astrimar, subsea distribution technology and expert consultancy services provider Viper Innovations and Quintham, which supports the health, safety and well-being of the fishing industry, have been shortlisted.
Nominations for the Global Development Award, which celebrates successful international export activities and is sponsored by subsea testing organisation C-Kore Systems, include Fibron BX, Viper Innovations and subsea integrity company Sentinel Subsea.
The Rising Star Award, sponsored by Genesis, celebrates early career professionals who are making waves in the underwater industry. This year’s finalists are Lee Salisbury, Energy Institute Aberdeen, Highlands & Islands Young Professionals Network committee member and Project Engineer at Wood, Neha Bahukhandi, Lead Software Engineer at Elementz, Silvia Hands, Graduate Software Engineer at Astrimar and Tim Whitmore, Graduate Research Engineer at Viper Innovations.
Acknowledging companies that have brought innovative new technologies to the market is the Technology Development Award, sponsored by Viper Innovations. This award will be contested by C-Kore Systems, Sentinel Subsea and Dublin Offshore, an Irish engineering technology solutions provider for the offshore industry.
Finalists in the Workforce Development Initiative Award category are ETZ Ltd in partnership with the National Energy Skills Accelerator, ETZ Ltd in partnership with North East Scotland College and the South Hampshire College Group. This new award spotlights an organisation that champions employee development through cohesive learning and development programmes.
A ninth award will also be presented during the ceremony to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the subsea and underwater industries during their career. The recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Contribution Award will be announced on the night.
Neil Gordon, Chief Executive of GUH, said: 'The Subsea Expo Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations to the ongoing success of the UK’s underwater industry. The shortlisted finalists for the 2026 awards demonstrate the diversity of skills across the sector, showcasing the ingenuity, resilience and collaborative spirit that continue to position the UK as a global leader in subsea technology and expertise.'
The Subsea Expo Awards will take place on the evening of the opening day of the Subsea Expo conference and exhibition, which will run from Wednesday 4 to Thursday 5 February 2026 at P&J Live.
Announced earlier this month, comedian and TV personality Cally Beaton has been confirmed as the host for the upcoming awards dinner. Known for her appearances on several television shows, including The Apprentice: You’re Fired, QI, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Countdown, Cally will bring her sharp sense of humour to the proceedings on the night.
Several exciting new features are being introduced to the 2026 Subsea Expo programme, including customer engagement sessions, which are exclusive to event exhibitors and GUH members, offering focused meetings with major operators and developers including bp, CNOOC, Flotation Energy and more, taking place in a dedicated pavilion within the exhibition.
Subsea Expo exhibitors will also be able to take part in site visits on Tuesday 3 February, providing a behind-the-scenes look at key subsea and energy operations in Aberdeen, including at facilities owned by JFD, MacArtney, Port of Aberdeen and Verlume.
Further details about Subsea Expo 2026 will be announced soon.
Tickets for the Subsea Expo Awards are on sale now, with individual places or tables of 10 available. To find out more and book a table, visit https://www.subseaexpo.com/awards-and-dinner/
Source: Global Underwater Hub
