A UK battery manufacturer is diving into the ocean technology sector with a multi-million-pound partnership that could transform how underwater vehicles operate in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Volklec has joined forces with offshore technology specialist Walker Subsea to develop the D-SEA underwater battery pack, a system designed to free remotely operated vehicles from their reliance on surface support ships. The collaboration marks a significant expansion for the British manufacturer into a global underwater construction and defense market worth $5.9 billion.
The breakthrough addresses a fundamental constraint in subsea operations. Today’s remotely operated vehicles depend on tethered power connections to support vessels, limiting their range and operational flexibility. The D-SEA system will provide onboard energy storage using Volklec’s 21700-5000mAh energy cells, enabling greater autonomy for vehicles working on offshore renewable energy projects and protecting critical ocean infrastructure.
“We’re now helping Walker Subsea create a novel and powerful underwater energy storage device with a range of applications for the marine and defence sectors,” said Junaid Mujaver, chief operating officer at Volklec. The partnership represents one of several projects currently in the company’s pipeline as it expands across multiple high-value sectors.
For Walker Subsea, selecting a British partner reflected strategic priorities beyond technical specifications. The Newcastle-based firm prioritized UK manufacturing to strengthen supply chain resilience, reduce environmental impact, and build sovereign capabilities in underwater defense systems.
“It was critical for us to use a UK-based manufacturer for sustainability, supply chain de-risking and to enable sovereign capability,” said Vahid Walker, technical director at Walker Subsea. He characterized D-SEA as an opening move in a broader vision toward fully wireless underwater transport capabilities.
The project has progressed rapidly thanks to both companies’ expertise and nimble development approach. Underwater trials are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, bringing the first-to-market solution closer to commercial reality.
Walker Subsea blends automotive technology with deep-sea engineering to create advanced energy storage and power delivery systems. The company’s product range, including A-Flux and the forthcoming D-SEA, enables submersibles to travel farther and faster with enhanced reliability.
The collaboration highlights how specialized battery technology is proving essential beyond traditional electric vehicle applications. Volklec manufactures advanced lithium-ion cells for automotive, aerospace, marine and off-highway sectors, all demanding energy storage solutions capable of performing in extreme conditions.
