Funding to support zero emission shipping routes to and from the UK

The fifth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition has been launched today to support feasibility studies focused on accelerating the development of green shipping corridors into and out of UK ports.

£1.5 million funding is being made available to help map out the infrastructure required along such routes to enable vessels to access green fuels and power charging systems, as well as look at further regulations required to push the industry towards decarbonisation.

If successful, it will bring about zero emission shipping routes connecting the UK to the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland – creating opportunities for the sector to thrive, both economically and environmentally.

This funding comes from the £206 million UK  Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, announced in March 2022. Ireland and the Netherlands will provide match-funding for organisations in their countries, while Denmark and Norway will provide other contributions through access to information and facilitation of collaboration.

The UK-Ireland competition will open for bids on 15th April and the UK-Netherlands competition will open for bids shortly after on 3rd June. Both countries will provide match funding of £430,000. The competitions and procurements will be managed by delivery partner Innovate UK.

Mike Biddle, Executive Director of Innovate UK, said: ‘Innovate UK is proud to be delivering the International Green Corridor Fund for DfT – these bilateral research collaborations are an important step to make green shipping corridors a reality. The required technology and system developments cannot happen in isolation, which is why I’m pleased to see pioneering cooperation between the UK and our maritime neighbours.’

Mark Simmonds, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Ports Association, said: ‘Green corridors will be an important vehicle for shipping’s transition to net zero. UK ports are ambitious when it comes to decarbonising their own operations and supporting the shipping industry in its journey to net zero. This new funding will help join up efforts across the globe and we are excited to see the initiatives that will grow from it.’