Wednesday, December 11, 2024
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Government offers £33m for green ports and ships

The winners of £33m-worth of government funding to develop green technologies for ports and ships have been announced by the UK government.

The cash pot has been awarded to 33 projects across all 12 regions of the UK to deliver demonstrations, factory trials and feasibility studies. The initiatives aim to position the UK as a leader in emerging clean maritime technologies, developing sustainable high-skilled jobs across the country and boosting coastal economies.

Funding is being delivered 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.

Maritime Minister Lord Davies visited 2 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.

CMDC4 builds on 3 successful previous rounds, which allocated over £95 million to 105 projects and leveraged over £45 million in private investment.

Davies, said: “Unlocking a sustainable maritime sector and the economic growth it provides 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.

“Today, we witnessed a firsthand 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, said: “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 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. We’re excited to witness this pivotal shift towards a cleaner, more prosperous maritime future.”

Mike Biddle, Innovate UK Executive Director for Net Zero, said: “The maritime sector continues to demonstrate a keen appetite for decarbonisation, which is highlighted by the 33 winning projects of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4.”

Image from Shutterstock

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