The funding will promote decarbonisation innovation in the maritime sector which will aim to tackle shipping emissions. 

Maritime Minister Robert Courts today  confirmed £12 million funding to accelerate the research and development of zero emission maritime technologies.

Now in its second round, the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) was born out of the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan to tackle carbon emissions. The latest funding cements the UK’s position as world leaders in clean maritime technologies and supports the creation of thousands of skilled jobs across the UK.

The CMDC is one of the first initiatives from UK SHORE, a new unit launched to make the maritime sector greener. Dedicated to creating a world free from shipping emissions, UK SHORE will work with industry to tackle numerous shipping emission challenges.

Through research and development (R&D) investments, it will include the provision of domestic zero emission ferries, helping to tackle the approximately 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions that roll-on/roll-off vessels and passenger-only ferries contribute to the UK’s domestic shipping emissions.

Robert Courts, Minister for Maritime, said:

"I want to see a new green age for maritime travel that is free from emissions."

Anna Ziou, UK Chamber of Shipping Policy Director (Safety and Environment), said:

"The UK Chamber of Shipping welcomes the announcement of the second round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition."