The UK Government has allocated £33M to boost green maritime projects through the fourth Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.
- A total of 33 UK-wide projects will benefit from the CMDC4 funding to drive down emissions in ports and shipping.
- This initiative forms part of the £206M UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions programme, elevating the cumulative CMDC investment to £128M.
- Innovative technologies such as electric, hydrogen, and wind power are central to this funding, aiming to create jobs in coastal areas.
- Notable projects in Southampton are leveraging electric infrastructure to integrate with ports and the national grid.
The UK Government has announced a substantial investment of £33M to support 33 projects across the nation as part of its ongoing commitment to reducing emissions in the maritime sector. This funding allocation is through the fourth Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4), which seeks to expedite the decarbonisation of ports and shipping in the UK. As part of this initiative, the total funding awarded under the CMDC series has now reached £128M, falling under the larger £206M UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK Shore) programme, initially unveiled in March 2022.
CMDC4’s focus is to develop diverse clean maritime technologies, including electric, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and wind power, aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation in coastal areas. This funding strategy is intended not only to boost technological advancements but also to stimulate local economies by increasing employment opportunities.
Among the funded projects, Aqua SuperPower and RS Marine Group, both situated in Southampton, received a visit from Maritime Minister Lord Davies on the day of the announcement, 26 January 2024. These organisations are pioneering efforts to enhance existing electric infrastructure, which will allow electric vessels to supply power back to ports, harbours, and the national grid when not operational. This represents a significant step forward in renewable energy utilisation within the maritime sector.
A statement from the Department for Transport underscored the importance of government funding as a catalyst for innovative technology, encouraging investor participation in pilot projects. British Marine CEO Lesley Robinson highlighted this funding as a key accelerator towards achieving net-zero emissions and promoting an era of sustainability within maritime history. Robinson noted the role of electric vessels and charging ports in driving environmental sustainability and supporting the UK’s levelling-up agenda.
Innovate UK Executive Director for Net Zero, Mike Biddle, remarked on the maritime sector’s enthusiasm for decarbonisation, asserting this announcement underscores UK industry’s embrace of research and development to address global challenges. He emphasised that the CMDC4 projects build on the past successes where collaborative efforts between the Department for Transport and Innovate UK have positioned the UK as a leader in maritime green transition.
In his address, Maritime Minister Lord Davies articulated the critical role of advanced technology in achieving a sustainable maritime sector and the economic growth it fosters. Davies described the necessary bold investments required to not only ensure greener shipping but also to generate skilled employment across the UK. His visit offered a firsthand view of transformative solutions poised to redefine the maritime industry’s landscape and bolster employment in coastal communities.
This strategic funding exemplifies the UK’s dedication to becoming a frontrunner in maritime sustainability and economic revitalisation.
