Marine electric propulsion specialist RAD Propulsion has completed a project with marine services provider Williams Shipping to deliver zero-emission vessel operations in Southampton Port waters.
The venture saw RAD Propulsion provide electric vessel technology and propulsion expertise, while Williams Shipping contributed essential marine operations knowledge, harbour authority liaison, and on-water support services. The electric vessel has been deployed to support a marine civil engineering project in Southampton, transporting materials from Williams’ quayside facilities to the construction site across one of the busiest waterways in the UK.
The collaboration delivered three key operational advantages:
- Zero local emissions, significantly reducing air pollution in port areas
- Low acoustic signature, enabling quieter operations and safer crew communication
- Advanced autonomy: RAD Propulsion’s integrated autonomous capabilities, developed as part of their electric propulsion system, enable advanced remote piloting and operational efficiency, lowering operational costs and crew workload
Dan Hook, CEO, RAD Propulsion, said: “This operation perfectly exemplifies our vision of revolutionising marine propulsion through intelligent, connected, and sustainable solutions. Working with Williams Shipping has allowed us to demonstrate the real-world application of our electric propulsion technology while supporting the local maritime community. Southampton is becoming a hub for marine innovation, and collaborations like this prove that local companies can lead the charge toward a more sustainable maritime future.”
Through working together, RAD and Williams Shipping were able to assess alternative fuel options for port operations while providing a completely emission-free solution for the construction assignment. The collaboration highlights the growing appetite for sustainable marine operations in Southampton and the potential for autonomous vessel technology to transform local maritime activities.
Richard Brooks, Marine Operations Director, Williams Shipping, said: “We are hugely pleased to have provided a zero-emission solution to support this construction work. Having worked with RAD previously, we knew of their innovative product and ambitious vision. This endeavour demonstrates the value of supporting local maritime innovation, having solution providers like RAD in our region is vital not only for training and ongoing support, but also as we progress our own sustainability strategy.”
The successful deployment underscores Southampton’s position as a centre of maritime excellence, where operators like Williams Shipping can collaborate with technology companies like RAD Propulsion. The clean, quiet and autonomous marine delivery system demonstrated the practical benefits of electric propulsion in busy commercial waterways.
Brooks added: “Williams are proud of their local connections, and it is always pleasing to collaborate with another local company. Supporting local companies, particularly those involved in new technologies, is vital as we progress toward more sustainable operations.”
The joint venture reflects broader trends in the maritime industry toward electrification and autonomous operations, with Southampton companies said to be leading the way in developing practical, scalable solutions for sustainable marine transport.
Image: Electric, remote controlled workboat in Southampton Port (source: RAD Propulsion)
