The UK government will be investing £30 million into accelerating the decarbonisation of sea travel and encouraging growth in coastal economies
As part of the Government’s plan for change, the funding is designed to support new clean maritime technologies that will help reduce emissions from the maritime sector while creating new jobs and economic opportunities across the country.
The investment comes as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), a long-running initiative that funds the development of sustainable technologies for the maritime industry. Since its launch, the competition has supported over 300 organisations nationwide and attracted more than £100 million in private investment. This latest round of funding aims to drive further innovation and cement the UK’s position as a leader in clean energy and maritime technology.
Investing in decarbonisation technologies
The new funding will target a range of new solutions, including electric-powered vessels, hydrogen and ammonia fuel systems, methanol propulsion, and wind power technologies.
These technologies are important in reducing the maritime sector’s carbon footprint, which is one of the largest sources of global emissions. As part of the ongoing effort to decarbonise sea travel, the Government hopes to significantly cut emissions from both passenger and cargo ships in the years ahead.
This investment also includes funding for some of the UK’s most promising maritime projects. For example, Hull has benefited from previous CMDC funding to develop the innovative AirWing wind propulsion system, designed to reduce large vessel emissions by up to 30%.
The system, which uses wind power to assist in propulsion, will soon undergo sea trials in March 2025. These projects are helping clean up the maritime sector, creating valuable local jobs, and positioning Hull as a hub for maritime innovation.
Supporting coastal communities
The £30 million funding is set to boost regional economies across the UK, particularly in coastal areas where maritime industries are a significant source of employment.
By funding clean maritime technologies, the Government aims to generate economic activity, attract new investment, and create high-skilled jobs in regions that are crucial to the UK’s maritime sector.
The CMDC funding also supports the broader UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, a £236 million initiative focused on decarbonising the UK maritime sector. As the UK seeks to lead the way in the global transition to clean shipping, this investment will play a key role in ensuring that the country remains competitive in the growing green economy.
Green innovation
The UK government has committed to making the country a clean energy superpower, and the maritime sector is an essential part of this vision.
The new £30 million funding is just one example of how the Government is working to turn this vision into reality. By funding both the development and testing of decarbonisation technologies, the CMDC is helping to create a more sustainable and resilient maritime industry.
Innovate UK, the Government’s innovation agency will manage the distribution of funds to successful applicants. With the application window opening on 24 January and closing on 16 April 2025, the latest round of funding presents an exciting opportunity for UK innovators to contribute to the future of maritime transport.
Through the competition, the Government hopes to attract a wide range of innovative ideas that will help address the pressing challenge of reducing emissions in the maritime industry.
As the UK continues to drive forward with its clean maritime ambitions, this £30 million investment represents an important step toward a zero-emission future for sea travel while generating new opportunities for skilled workers and regional economies.
