Dr Jonathan Williams, the CEO and Founder of MSE International, has been selected as a finalist of the Maritime Solent Awards 2026, in the Maritime Legacy category. With more applications than ever before, the judges commented on the exceptional calibre of entries in this year's awards.

Jonathan's selection to the finalist list is as a result of his outstanding and sustained contribution to maritime engineering, innovation and technology transfer throughout a career spanning 40 years. Since founding MSE International in 2005, Jonathan has brought businesses, universities, ports, government and technology specialists together around shared challenges and has successfully turned these into collaborations to create funded projects, demonstrations and commercial opportunities. Jonathan's leadership has strengthened the Solent's standing as a leading centre for maritime innovation. 

Stuart Baker, Chief Executive of Maritime Solent, commented,“Being shortlisted for the Maritime Solent Awards is a mark of distinction. The Maritime Legacy Award is a special one, as it celebrates and recognises the contribution made by an individual and their impact on a region that is leading the way in maritime innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. We are proud to celebrate these achievements and the role they have played in shaping the future of the Solent.”

Click here to see recent projects that Jonathan has been instrumental in getting funding for and successfully delivering. 

For more information on the Maritime Solent Awards 2026, please click here.

The team at MSE International would like to congratulate Jonathan on his nomination and wish him good luck for the awards announcements.