£30m Funding to Decarbonise Sea Travel and Boost Coastal Economies

Could This Transform Maritime Innovation in the UK?

Coastal communities across the UK are set to benefit from £30 million in government funding aimed at decarbonising sea travel. Announced as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6), the funding supports innovative green maritime technologies, cementing the UK’s position as a global Clean Energy Superpower.

Driving Change in Maritime Innovation

The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), now entering its sixth round, has already delivered funding to over 300 organisations nationwide. This has unlocked over £100 million in private investment, accelerating the adoption of clean technologies such as electric, hydrogen, ammonia, and wind propulsion systems.

This latest round of funding, part of the government’s Plan for Change, aims to stimulate regional economies and create skilled job opportunities while supporting decarbonisation in the maritime industry.

Mike Kane, Maritime Minister, emphasised the significance of the investment:

“This new £30m 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.”

Success Stories from Previous Funding Rounds

Past CMDC projects have demonstrated tangible outcomes, such as:

• South West Ports: Installation of Britain’s first electric chargepoint network.
• Wales: The largest retrofit of a hydrogen-powered research vessel.
• Carbon Capture Systems: State-of-the-art technology installed on vessels.

In Hull, £3.7 million of CMDC funding supported the development of GT Wings’ AirWing™, a compact wind propulsion system capable of reducing vessel emissions by up to 30%. This innovative system was built at Alexandra Dock and is being assembled at the MMS Docks for installation on a Carisbrooke Shipping vessel. Sea trials are scheduled for March 2025.

George Thompson, CEO of GT Wings, expressed enthusiasm for the project:

“This progressive step has been made possible thanks to the support of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, which recognised the transformative potential of this innovation and GT Wings’ ability to scale it for market impact.”

Looking Ahead: New Funding Opportunities

The sixth round of CMDC funding, managed by Innovate UK, opens on 22nd January, with applications closing on 16th April. The competition offers businesses and organisations a chance to secure funding for innovative projects tackling maritime decarbonisation.

Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, highlighted the importance of this initiative:

“CMDC Round 6 is a great opportunity for UK innovators to take part in a world-renowned maritime transport R&D grant funding programme.”

The CMDC programme, which forms part of the £236 million UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UKSHORE), has now reached a total investment of £159 million.

Captain Simon Merritt of Carisbrooke Shipping underlined the importance of collaboration in driving these projects forward:

“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.”