UK start-up hopes to revolutionise marine electric propulsion

RAD Propulsion manufactures high-quality bespoke electric propulsion systems for all types of marine applications, from kayaks to zero emission vessels.

Based at Fareham Innovation Centre, near Fareham in south Hampshire, the company is disrupting the traditional market of petrol and diesel engine drives.

With encouragement from the centre’s in-house innovation director, Monika Dabrowska, RAD is looking to accelerate projects after successfully applying for two grants totalling £300,000.

The funding, for two work streams in relation to sustainability and the electric revolution, was awarded by Innovate UK, Britain’s innovation agency.

Formed two years ago, RAD moved into one of 20 light manufacturing workshops at Fareham Innovation Centre in 2019.

With conference facilities, meeting rooms, 55 serviced offices and workshops, the building is owned by Fareham Borough Council and run by Oxford Innovation.

Designed for start-ups and early-stage businesses, the centre provides a supportive ecosystem for occupiers in marine, aviation, aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing.

With a core team of seven, RAD is among customers entitled to free in-house business support.

RAD was founded by Richard Daltry and Dan Hook who previously developed ground-breaking marine robotic ASVs (marine robotic vessels) for the oil and gas, defence and oceanographic sectors.

It was here they discovered that existing, on-the-market electric propulsion systems were lacking in smart, connected technologies, quality and durability.

RAD is developing the next generation of marine propulsion systems with a team of naval architects, systems engineers and automotive experts who are all passionate about the water and have an in-depth understanding of the harsh marine environment.

Business support at Fareham Innovation Centre ranges from one-to-one mentoring, workshops, signposted funding opportunities, seminars, programmes and, with the universities of Southampton, Solent and Portsmouth, internships; there are also apprenticeships through Fareham College.

One of the company’s products is the RAD40, the largest drive currently on its books, with intuitive operating features that provide a safe and reliable propulsion system for RIBs and powerboats.

At the other end of the scale is the RAD1, a lightweight, portable product for paddleboards and kayaks.

Research is also focusing on increasing the size of the electric propulsion units for much larger vessels as operators anticipate emissions regulations.

Clive Johnson, pictured, has been brought onboard as RAD’s chief executive. A marine tech entrepreneur, Mr Johnson designed and manufactured the world’s first solar powered instruments for dinghies and yachts; Tacktick was sold to Raymarine in 2011.

He later set up and became chief executive of Magma Structures, a leader in carbon composites and builder of the world’s tallest carbon super yacht masts.

“We made Fareham Innovation Centre home because of its proximity to the sea for trials, along with the thriving ecosystem of like-minded tech entrepreneurs, the superb R&D facilities, the phenomenal business support and the fact we can utilise fellow occupiers for ancillary services,” Mr Johnson said.

“Here we are, just 12 months in at the centre, and we’ve already had a lift to R&D and export ambitions through £300,000 worth of funding from Innovate UK.

“It was the centre who highlighted these grant opportunities as part of wider business support to us - having this in-house business support service to draw upon is an incredibly powerful thing.

“With the UK targeted to achieve a zero-carbon economy by 2050, RAD Propulsion will be challenging the traditional market in marine engines, which rely on fossil fuels to power the propellers.

“Our long-term plans are to export 80% of our electric propulsion units, creating valuable jobs here in the UK.”

R&D focus includes product design, materials, lean manufacturing processes and smart electronics.

RAD Propulsion www.radpropulsion.com

Fareham Innovation Centre www.fareham-ic.co.uk