This 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 recently 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.
The two 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.
Commenting, Maritime Minister Lord 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.”
Government funding is seen as a crucial driving force for cutting-edge technology, inspiring investors to engage in pilot incentives. CMDC4 builds on three previous rounds, which allocated more than £95 million to 105 projects and leveraged more than £45 million in private investment – paving the way for exciting innovations that will help decarbonise the maritime industry.
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 announcement shows UK industry is "embracing research and development as a solution to a global industry-wide problem and I’m inspired by the ambition of our maritime innovators.”
The funding comes from the wider £206 million UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, announced in March 2022.
The CMDC is one of the initiatives from UK SHORE to fund green technology. Last year, the government launched the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition to support projects in the latter stages of development and the Clean Maritime Research Hub – aimed at the early science and research behind green technology.
Further details on the winners of CMDC4 can be found here