The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced £1.1 billion in combined public and private investment for the UK maritime sector during London International Shipping Week on 15 September 2025.

The package comprises £448 million in government funding for the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme and £700 million in private sector investment across ports and maritime infrastructure.

UK SHORE, which funds research and development of maritime decarbonisation technologies, has previously allocated £240 million to over 200 projects since 2022. The programme has supported 750 jobs and attracted £110 million in additional private investment to date.

Projects funded include Aqua Superpower's charging network for vessels, which the company estimates could reduce emissions by 2,800 tonnes of CO2 annually once operational. Cammell Laird has received £3.6 million for an electric shore power system at Birkenhead, matched by equal private investment.

The private funding includes several major port investments: £300 million from Peel Ports for facilities at Liverpool, Hunterston and Great Yarmouth; £250 million from NatPower Marine for shore power infrastructure; and £150 million from the Port of Tyne for offshore wind manufacturing facilities.

NatPower Marine states its investment could create over 2,000 jobs in engineering, construction and green technology. The Port of Tyne estimates its development could generate up to 12,000 jobs in offshore wind and manufacturing.

The funding forms part of the government's Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy, which targets net-zero emissions from shipping by 2050. Technologies being developed include hydrogen, ammonia and methanol fuels, alongside electric and wind-powered systems.

The announcement coincides with London International Shipping Week, which runs until 19 September and brings together global maritime industry leaders.