South West innovation leads the way in stabilising unmanned surface vessels
Maritime UK South West is delighted to share exciting news from the regional maritime sector: the Project MADFISH consortium—comprising Salmon Marine Ltd, Rapid Iterations Ltd, and On The Layline Ltd—has secured Innovate UK Launchpad funding to develop a pioneering stability system for the fast-growing Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) market.
As USVs become increasingly indispensable for applications such as environmental monitoring, offshore inspection, defence, and scientific exploration, their ability to perform reliably in unpredictable sea conditions is crucial. While advancements in autonomy and control have propelled the sector forward, many USVs still struggle with performance limitations caused by instability in moderate to rough waters. This impacts not only mission range but also data accuracy and operational duration.
Project MADFISH aims to address these challenges with an innovative, low-power mechanical stabilisation system. Unlike traditional solutions that rely on complex electronics and heavy batteries, this new system offers a modular, lightweight design tailored specifically for small to mid-sized USVs. Its efficient approach mitigates wave-induced motion, helping preserve onboard energy for core functions such as propulsion, communications, and mission equipment.
The system is engineered for easy integration—whether retrofitting existing vessels or installing in new builds—making it a scalable upgrade as global demand for marine autonomy accelerates. By improving vessel stability and reducing energy consumption, Project MADFISH promises to extend operational uptime and enable longer missions in remote environments where access to recharging or maintenance is limited.
Initial trials of the MADFISH stabilisation system are set to begin in early 2026 at City College Plymouth’s wave tank facility, with On The Layline providing real-time impact monitoring via the Hefring IMAS system. This collaboration highlights the South West’s leadership in marine innovation and its commitment to sustainable, practical solutions for autonomous operations.
Joseph Salmon, Managing Director at Salmon Marine, commented, “We are thrilled to have been awarded this funding and to be working alongside Rapid Iterations and On The Layline on such a vital piece of innovation. Autonomous marine systems are evolving rapidly, but stability remains a key challenge. Project MADFISH is our answer to that, an efficient, practical system that empowers USVs to perform better for longer in real conditions.”
Rob Watson, Founder and Director at On The Layline Ltd, said, “We’re excited to support Project MADFISH. The solution is highly original and complements our broader work across marine autonomy, clean propulsion, and digital ocean platforms.”
Michael Given, Head of Sales at Hefring Marine, added, “We are proud to contribute to Project MADFISH. Our shared focus on impact mitigation and intelligent vessel systems supports the next generation of safe and efficient autonomous marine operations, both in the UK and internationally.”
For further details about the MADFISH stabilisation system or to enquire about investment opportunities, please contact Salmon Marine Ltd at info@salmonmarine.com.
