Search and rescue craft set for commercialisation

Most of the funding comes from lead investor, Kero Development Partners and Aberdeen based I7V, who are following initial investment in Zelim’s seed round in 2020.

“We are delighted to welcome Kero as a new shareholder in the company. They are one of the few investors focused on technology hardware and have highly relevant experience to help us commercialise,” said Sam Mayall, CEO of Zelim.

”We also welcome further investment from I7V, who have supported us over the last 18 months with their CEO, Doug Duguid, in post as chairman of the board. It has been an incredible journey so far for the team and 2023 is set to be an exciting year.”

Revolutionising SAR

Zelim recently launched its patented Swift rescue conveyor and will release Guardian, the world’s first fast rescue craft, with the flexibility of both crewed and uncrewed operation modes in 2023.

The company has its sights set on revolutionising emergency response for the whole maritime sector but has focussed to date on the fast-growing offshore energy market to launch its technology.

Zelim is also funded by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, an industry backed programme supporting innovative UK supply chain companies.

Doug Duguid, CEO, I7V, said: “I7V are very pleased with the progress that the Zelim team has made over the past 18 months in maturing the technology. We remain confident that the company is progressing towards a full commercial offering in the next 12 to 18 months and that confidence is reinforced by the support of the marine regulatory authorities and potential customers.”

In June 2022, Zelim conducted live demonstrations of its search and rescue technology to the UK and US Coastguard at Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm, off the coast of Norfolk in the UK.