UK government grants £33 million for green maritime technology

UK Maritime Minister, Lord Davies, has announced the winners of £33 million ($42 million) of government funding to develop green technologies for ports and ships.

This is to accelerate the UK’s race to decarbonise the sector while supporting jobs in coastal communities across the country, helping grow the economy in the long term.

The £33 million ($42 million) has been awarded to 33 projects across all 12 regions of the UK to deliver demonstrations, factory trials, and feasibility studies.

These initiatives position the UK as a leader in emerging clean maritime technologies, fostering sustainable high-skilled jobs across the country and boosting coastal economies.

The funding comes from the fourth round of the government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4), which focuses on developing a range of clean maritime technologies including electric, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, wind power and more.

Lord Davies visited two of the winning organisations, Aqua SuperPower and RS Marine Group, in Southampton, to see their pioneering network of electric chargepoints and electric vessels in action.

Thanks to CMDC4, the winners will work together to build on their existing electric infrastructure to provide electricity back to ports, harbours, and the grid when the vessels are not in use. CMDC4 builds on three successful previous rounds, which allocated over £95 million ($121 million) to 105 projects and leveraged over £45 million ($57.3 million) in private investment.

The latest funding comes from the wider £206 million ($262 million) UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, announced in March 2022.

“Unlocking a sustainable maritime sector and the economic growth it provides relies on cutting-edge technology to propel it to the next level,” said Maritime Minister, Lord Davies.

“The voyage to sustainability demands bold investments to not just deliver greener shipping but highly skilled jobs across the UK. Today, we witnessed a first-hand glimpse into the transformative solutions that can help shape the future landscape of the maritime industry and support jobs in coastal communities.”

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, stated: “British Marine is proud to celebrate the achievements of our members, who are leading the way in sustainable maritime innovation and are among the beneficiaries of the government’s £33 million ($42 million) investment in green maritime technology.

“This significant funding is just one way in which the government can help accelerate our industry’s journey to net zero emissions and mark a new era in maritime history. Many of our members are pioneering electric vessels and charging ports, in turn, contributing to environmental sustainability, job creation and the UK’s levelling-up agenda.”

In September 2023, the UK government announced the winners of the Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure Fund (ZEVI), where coastal communities around the country will receive over £80 million ($100 million) in government investment, promoting economic growth and the UK’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.