Isle of Wight ferry operators Red Funnel and Wightlink have both been named as finalists in the 2026 Maritime Solent Awards, which celebrate leading businesses and individuals across the region’s maritime industry.
Red Funnel is in the running for the Diversity in Maritime award alongside BAE Systems – Defence Solutions and Royal Navy Museums.
Wightlink has meanwhile been shortlisted for the Future Maritime Skills – Large Business award, where it will compete against Serco and Solent Careers Hub.
Red Funnel is also sponsoring the Maritime Start-up of the Year category, which has K39 Consulting Ltd, Portico Port Services Ltd and Marine Cranes among its finalists.
Now in their 5th year, the Maritime Solent Awards recognise businesses and people helping to drive the regional maritime sector forward, with organisers reporting a record number of applications for 2026.
Finalists have been selected across a wide range of categories covering apprentices and cadets, clean maritime innovation, diversity, future skills, defence, logistics, technology and business excellence.
Those shortlisted for Clean Maritime Innovator are GT Wings, MDL Marinas and Portsmouth International Port, while Dynautics, Houlder Ltd and SubSea Craft Ltd are competing for the Maritime Technology Game Changer award.
GT Wings, UK Docks Marine Services and XB44 Ltd have been shortlisted for Maritime SME of the Year, while Archipelago Yachts, British Maritime Training & Assessment and XB44 Ltd are finalists for Maritime Micro Business of the Year.
The Apprentice of the Year finalists are Zoe Brown of BAE Systems Maritime Services, Daniel Hodges of South Hampshire College Group and The Electric Boat Company, and LET Jolean Ottley of the Royal Navy.
Elizabeth Hammond of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Aidan Ward Kirby of Princess Cruises and Seren Nix of Carnival UK are competing for Cadet of the Year.
Other awards on the night will recognise achievements in the maritime defence supply chain, logistics, small business skills development and maritime business services.
The Maritime Legacy award, sponsored by MDL Marinas, will be judged at a later date.
Keith Greenfield, Chair of Maritime Solent, has said:
“A huge congratulations to our finalists for being recognised as leading in your field.
“We’re proud to provide a platform to showcase the region’s maritime sector and I am thrilled that we have received a record number of applications this year.
“Each year, the Maritime Solent Awards get bigger and better and have become a highlight of the industry’s calendar. We’re looking forward to celebrating with the industry on 22 October.”
Winners will be revealed during a black-tie awards evening at Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl on 22nd October and will be attended by more than 300 maritime industry leaders and emerging talent.
