The government has unveiled funding to drive zero-emission maritime innovation, create jobs, and position Britain as a clean energy leader.
The UK government has launched a £30 million funding initiative to accelerate the decarbonisation of sea travel and support coastal economies, as part of its Plan for Change. The funding, unveiled through the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6), aims to advance zero-emission maritime technologies while boosting regional growth and job creation.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane highlighted the significance of the funding, stating:
“This new £30 million investment is part of our Plan for Change – growing the economy and making Britain a clean energy superpower. I’m proud to see this funding boost growth and create jobs throughout the UK, as well as ushering in an era of zero-emission shipping.”
Previous rounds of CMDC have supported over 300 organisations across the UK, attracting over £100 million in private investment. Notable projects include the UK’s first electric port chargepoint network in the South West, a hydrogen research vessel retrofit in Wales, and an advanced carbon capture system for ships.
In Hull, the government’s funding has enabled the development of GT Wings’ AirWing technology, a wind propulsion system that reduces vessel emissions by up to 30%. Maritime Minister Kane visited Hull to witness the installation of the first AirWing on a Carisbrooke Shipping vessel, with sea trials scheduled for March 2025.
“This funding is not just about clean energy; it’s about creating opportunities, jobs, and a sustainable future for coastal communities across the UK.”
— Maritime Minister Mike Kane
Mike Biddle, executive director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, expressed enthusiasm for the new funding round: “CMDC round 6 is a great opportunity for UK innovators to take part in a world-renowned maritime transport R&D grant funding programme. We look forward to seeing groundbreaking innovations that address the pressing challenge of decarbonisation.”
George Thompson, CEO of GT Wings, also praised the initiative: “We’re extremely excited about the imminent launch of AirWing, made possible thanks to the support of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. This technology will help even the most challenging ocean-going vessels decarbonise by harnessing wind power.”
The CMDC6 funding brings the total investment in clean maritime technologies to £159 million, under the £236 million UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme. Applications for the sixth round of funding will open on January 24 and close on April 16, 2025.
Captain Simon Merritt, senior fleet manager at Carisbrooke Shipping Ltd, said: “We look forward to the first AirWing being installed on our cargo ship this month, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
“This project has been accelerated with funding from Department for Transport and Innovate UK under CMDC Round 4. It demonstrates the power of collaboration between leading British companies, turning innovative ideas into real solutions to decarbonise the maritime industry while creating job opportunities in the UK.”
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