The UK government has announced a £30m ($40.6m) funding initiative aimed at decarbonising the shipping industry and stimulating local economies.
This funding, which is part of the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), has been unveiled by the UK Maritime Minister Mike Kane during a visit to Clydeport in Glasgow.
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The financial support will be allocated to various companies focused on developing clean maritime fuels and technologies, including ammonia, hydrogen, methanol, solar, and electric solutions.
The investment is intended to facilitate the transition towards greener shipping practices, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in clean energy. Additionally, it aims to revitalise coastal communities by fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities.
To date, the CMDC has distributed over £136m ($184.2m) to 142 organisations, contributing to the UK SHORE programme.
This programme is dedicated to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector and has engaged more than 300 organisations, including 250 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
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By GlobalDataAmong the successful projects funded are the establishment of electric chargepoint networks at various ports, including Aberdeen, and the demonstration of an electric crew transfer vessel at the Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm.
Furthermore, a green hydrogen shore power system has been trialled at the port of Leith.
Kane said: “It’s so exciting to see investment in green fuels and technologies spurring on skills, innovation and manufacturing across the UK, delivering on our Plan for Change missions to kickstart economic growth and become a clean energy superpower.
“We’ve charted a course to net zero shipping by 2050 and this £30m will be crucial in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future, so we can clean up sea travel and trade.”
During the maritime minister’s visit to Clydeport, discussions were held with representatives from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, which is collaborating with Smart Green Shipping to scale up the manufacturing of the FastRig windsail.
This wing sail, produced in Glasgow, can be fitted to vessels and is projected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40% annually.
The project has previously received £3.3m ($4.4m) under the third round of the CMDC and has been successfully tested at sea.
The minister is also engaged with Peel Ports and local workers at Clydeport’s King George V Docks.
The project, involving an investment of £3m ($4m) in road infrastructure at King George V Dock, aims to enhance the capacity for handling large wind turbine components, supporting the renewable energy sector while preserving Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage and manufacturing capabilities.
Peel Ports Clydeport port director Jim McSporran said: “We’re proud to welcome the Maritime Minister to Peel Ports Clydeport today and showcase how our facilities continue to create opportunities for investment, jobs and skills that will benefit the people and businesses of Scotland.”
In addition to these initiatives, UK SHORE is allocating £3.85m ($5.2m) to the Clean Maritime Research Hub, a consortium of 13 UK universities dedicated to advancing scientific research in clean maritime technologies.
This funding will support ongoing research efforts and facilitate the establishment of a liquid hydrogen facility at Durham University, which will explore the potential of emission-free liquid hydrogen in the maritime transition.
