The UK government has committed £34 million ($43 million) in financing for novel technology that will assist sustainable shipping as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC).
According to UK government, the competition aims to nurture and promote continuing progress towards net zero goals by developing unique and sustainable technologies that link people, commodities, and services in a cleaner, greener manner.
Maritime Minister Baroness Charlotte Vere said: “Pushing the boundaries of possibility is integral to the UK’s global ambition of a greener maritime sector.
“That’s why today’s new round of funding continues to set that course, not only keeping our climate goals on track but also boosting opportunities for private investment, new jobs and growing the economy.
“The UK’s maritime sector is one of the most competitive and innovative in the world and today’s latest clean maritime demonstration competition funding is testament to that.”
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This recent funding will open for applications on 2 August until 27 September 2023.
Prospective proposals will be evaluated using a variety of criteria to determine their likelihood of delivering on real-world demonstrations of clean marine technologies.
This might range from developing alternate fuel sources for goods ships to pushing the boundaries of battery-powered vessels.
A total of 105 projects across the UK have been reportedly awarded more than £95 million ($121 million) in the first three rounds of the CMDC to support the design and development of clean maritime solutions towards commercialisation.
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Collins River Enterprises is one of these projects, having received a £6 million ($7.6 million) grant to showcase a zero-emission electric river boat from Canary Wharf to Rotherhithe in London.
The boat aims to give a sustainable alternative to a polluted car or crowded tube, as well as serve as a model for future ferry crossings in the UK and throughout the world.
UK Chamber of Shipping Chief Executive Sarah Treseder said: “Instilling confidence in the UK shipping industry to invest in new technologies and fuels is central to reaching net zero.
“This funding, with a focus on real world demonstrations, aims to unlock investment from across the shipping community to deliver the technologies that will reduce emissions while ensuring shipping remains at the heart of the UK’s economy.”
The UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) funds the CMDC, which is delivered by Innovate UK.
UK SHORE is a Department of Transportation (DfT) initiative focusing on advancing the technology required to decarbonise the domestic marine industry, and it is delivering a suite of interventions targeted at overcoming various impediments to maritime decarbonisation.
