The UK government has allocated €38.6 million (£33 million) to fund the development of green technologies for ports and ships. This funding, awarded through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), will support 33 projects across all twelve regions of the UK. The initiatives aim to deliver demonstrations, factory trials, and feasibility studies to drive sustainable maritime innovation and help the industry achieve net-zero emissions.
The latest round of funding comes from the fourth phase of the government’s CMDC, which focuses on advancing a range of clean maritime technologies, including electric, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and wind power solutions. Among the winners are Aqua SuperPower and RS Marine Group, based in Southampton, who plan to build electric vessels and charging ports. The two companies will collaborate to expand their existing electric infrastructure, providing electricity back to ports, harbors, and the grid when the vessels are not in use.
We are unlocking a sustainable maritime sector, which relies on cutting-edge technology to propel it to the next level. The voyage to sustainability demands bold investments to not just deliver greener shipping but highly skilled jobs across the UK, stated Maritime Minister Lord Davies.
Notable recipients of the funding include WSW Marine Ltd, which aims to develop the first leisure vessel powered almost entirely by bio-methanol. The vessel, an aluminum catamaran demonstrator, will lead the way for lower carbon offshore vessels in the leisure and light-commercial maritime sectors.
Cammell Laird Shiprepairers & Shipbuilders, on the other hand, has been awarded €3.5 million to deliver a clean shore power solution for vessels in refit and repair at the Cammell Laird shipyard. This initiative aims to eliminate the need for diesel-powered generators and auxiliary generators.
The full list of winners can be found on the CMDC website. The CMDC4 funding builds on three previous rounds, which allocated over €95 million (£95 million) to 105 projects, leveraging more than €45 million (£45 million) in private investment.
The funding provided by the UK government reinforces the strong interest within the maritime industry for investment in clean technologies. The collaboration between the government and the private sector is a crucial partnership in driving the transition towards sustainable maritime practices.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, expressed pride in the achievements of the industry, stating, This significant funding is just one way in which the Government can help accelerate our industry’s journey to net-zero emissions and marks a new era in maritime history. Many of our members are pioneering electric vessels and charging ports, contributing to environmental sustainability, job creation, and the UK’s levelling up agenda.
The funding is part of the wider €206 million (£206 million) UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) program announced earlier this year. In 2021, the UK government launched the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure competition, which supports projects in advanced stages of development. The government also established the Clean Maritime Research Hub, which focuses on early-stage science and research in green technology.
The allocation of €38.6 million for green technologies in ports and ships showcases the UK’s commitment to driving sustainable practices within the maritime industry. With a focus on clean energy solutions, these projects will pave the way for a cleaner, more prosperous maritime future, while contributing to job creation and economic growth.
