UK shipping and coastal communities will receive £271m from the UK Government to develop green boat fuel and innovation in the maritime sector.
The funding has been awarded from the seventh round of the Clean maritime demonstration competition (CMDC) and the second round of zero emissions vessels and infrastructure (ZEVI) fund.
It will give successful companies grants to help decarbonise the maritime sector by developing clean maritime fuels and infrastructure.
Previous rounds of funding have helped to support 750 new and existing jobs, with the scheme having supported 500 businesses in the UK, including 250 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
This investment across the UK has been given to maritime communities including Teesport, Leith, Bristol and Hull.
Port infrastructure operators and businesses wishing to secure investment in green fuels will be able to apply to the CMDC Round 7 competition from 11 March, and the ZEVI Round 2 competition from 26 March.
Previously supported projects include ACUA Ocean in Plymouth who delivered a remote hydrogen-controlled vessel to enable offshore infrastructure data gathering and monitoring, as well as Ensemble Analytics who adopted artificial intelligence (AI) in port buildings to improve port efficiency at the Port of Newport.
Maritime Minister Keir Mather, said:
“We’re backing our maritime industries with a further £271 million investment to revolutionise technology and infrastructure, supporting skilled jobs across the UK.
“Our maritime sector is vital to keeping us safe and secure, connecting people with loved ones alongside securing our economic prosperity. That’s why we’re investing in greener seas and technology that will set the sector on course for a prosperous future.”
Mike Biddle, Executive Director Net Zero at Innovate UK, said:
“The launch of CMDC round 7 and ZEVI 2 is a huge moment for the UK’s maritime sector. Today’s announcement continues a world-renowned commitment to maritime R&D and Innovate UK is proud to deliver it in partnership with the Department for Transport.
“The businesses successful in these 2 competitions will be perfectly placed to exploit a growing market for clean maritime technology.”
Image courtesy of UK Government
