Funding award for Project MADFISH.

Salmon Marine is pleased to announce, on behalf of the Project MADFISH consortium (Rapid Iterations Ltd, On The Layline Ltd, and Salmon Marine Ltd), the award of Innovate UK Launchpad funding for the development of a new stability system concept for the Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) market. As USVs take on increasingly vital roles in maritime operations such as environmental monitoring, offshore inspection, defence, and scientific research, the need for reliable performance in unpredictable sea states has never been more urgent. Despite progress in autonomy and control systems, many USVs continue to experience performance limitations due to instability in moderate to rough waters, which affects range, data accuracy, and mission duration.

Project MADFISH will deliver an innovative, low-power mechanical stabilisation system that improves balance and seakeeping without depending on complex electronics, heavy batteries, or high energy consumption. Targeted at small to mid-sized USVs, the system is designed to be modular, lightweight, and easily integrated, providing an efficient solution to mitigate wave-induced motion while preserving onboard energy for core functions such as propulsion, communication, and mission equipment.

This project meets a clear and growing need in the autonomous maritime space for durable and energy-efficient solutions that can operate with minimal human intervention. By increasing vessel uptime and stability while reducing energy demands, the system enables extended missions in remote environments where recharging or maintenance access is limited.

Designed with simplicity and compatibility in mind, the system can be retrofitted to existing platforms or integrated into new builds, offering a scalable upgrade path. As global interest in marine autonomy accelerates, this innovation represents a critical enabler for enhancing the reliability, endurance, and safety of uncrewed operations at sea.

Initial trials are scheduled to begin in early 2026 at City College Plymouth’s wave tank facility. On The Layline will supply real-time impact monitoring using a Hefring IMAS system.

“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,” said Joseph Salmon, Managing Director at Salmon Marine. “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, commented, “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 product information or investor inquiries, contact info@salmonmarine.com