Published on: 30 March 2021
The UK Government has launched a competition to help develop innovative approaches to shipping. This includes zero-emission vessels and clean port infrastructure.
The fund will be used to support the development of prototype vessels and port infrastructure that could then be rolled out widely – propelling the sector towards net-zero.
Officials are encouraging scientists and academics to collaborate with UK shipping, ports and shipbuilders to enter ambitious proposals into the competition:
- Driving economic growth
- Revitalising coastal communities
- Creating 1,000s of jobs
- Positioning the country as a leader in the field
The trials will enable companies to test the new technologies, with a view to them being developed commercially if proven to be successful.
The Maritime Minister Robert Courts MP confirmed the news ahead of the launch of two government-funded studies – one of which focuses on net zero in the recreational craft sector.
The new study on recreational craft, which will be published in late Spring, will set out how barriers relating to the supply and demand for zero-carbon recreational craft can be overcome. It will make a series of recommendations, including using alternative fuels.
British Marine members can find out more about the competition here.