MARITIME INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT
Grafmarine – Unlocking Sustainable Power at Sea with NanoDeck
Innovation at a Glance
Grafmarine is a UK-based renewable energy technology company redefining how vessels generate, manage, and store power at sea. Its flagship innovation, NanoDeck, is a modular, intelligent solar energy platform purpose-built for the demanding marine environment.
With mounting pressure from the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy, which calls for net-zero emissions from international shipping by 2050, Grafmarine delivers a timely and scalable solution—one that can be retrofitted to existing vessels or integrated into next-generation ship designs.
Smarter Technology for Cleaner Energy
NanoDeck turns passive surfaces—such as ship decks and port structures—into high-yield, energy-generating assets using rugged, lightweight, marine-grade solar tiles made from recyclable ocean composites.
Grafmarine are also developing AI-driven energy software, monitoring energy demand with weather conditions. This enables vessels to optimise energy generation, consumption, and storage with minimal manual input.
Grafmarine are also pioneering shore-to-ship energy transfer innovations, addressing long-standing inefficiencies and reshaping how vessels interact with port infrastructure—enhancing autonomy and reducing shore power dependency.
Collaborative Innovation in Action
Grafmarine’s R&D model is built around collaboration.
- Live sea trials are underway in Australia, capturing real-world performance data.
- AI development supported by The Turing Centre, Manchester, leveraging regional leadership in machine learning.
- Advanced testing on material durability conducted in partnership with the National Physical Laboratory and Royce Institute.
- Grafmarine is also exploring strategic initiatives and relevant funding competitions to maximise the decarbonisation potential of future vessel and port infrastructure.
Real-World Impact
Initial simulations and trial data show:
- Up to 10% fuel savings, with future optimisation potential targets exceeding 40% via full AI deployment.
- Opportunities for grid export, turning vessels into mobile clean energy assets.
Field testing around Africa and Caribbean has validated the system’s durability in harsh conditions, from tropical storms to equatorial heat, making NanoDeck a dependable decarbonisation tool for global shipping fleets.
Shaping the Future of Maritime Energy
NanoDeck isn’t just a solar deck—it’s a gateway to hybrid marine energy systems. By integrating with wind, battery storage, and alternative fuels (hydrogen, ammonia), the platform creates real-time adaptive energy loops for maximum operational efficiency in all weather and sea states.
With a scalable product, strong academic ties, and alignment with global maritime goals, Grafmarine is a leader in clean, efficient, and digitally connected energy for shipping.
About Navigating Maritime Innovation
Mersey Maritime’s Navigating Maritime Innovation programme champions companies like Grafmarine—connecting innovation with government, industry, and academia to accelerate the shift toward decarbonised, digitalised, and dynamic maritime economy.
