The UK government has announced £30 million in new funding to accelerate the decarbonisation of the maritime sector and support economic growth in coastal communities. The investment, part of the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), will fund projects that develop green maritime fuels and technologies such as ammonia, hydrogen, methanol, solar, and electric power. This initiative is designed to promote cleaner sea travel and trade, reduce emissions, and stimulate job creation and skills development in the maritime industry.
The funding will support innovative technologies, including a new high-tech wing sail developed in Scotland. Known as the FastRig, this wind-assisted propulsion system can reduce a ship’s fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40% annually. Built in Glasgow, the FastRig project received £3.3 million in earlier CMDC funding and is now operational at sea. The Maritime Minister highlighted the project during a visit to Clydeport, where he also reviewed ongoing infrastructure developments aimed at expanding renewable energy logistics and manufacturing capacity.
This latest funding builds on over £136 million previously awarded through CMDC to more than 142 organisations across the UK. As part of the broader UK SHORE programme, a total of over 300 organisations, including 250 SMEs, have received support to advance maritime decarbonisation. Funded projects have included the installation of electric chargepoint networks at ports, electric crew transfer vessel demonstrations, and green hydrogen shore power systems.
Additionally, £3.85 million has been allocated to the Clean Maritime Research Hub, a consortium of 13 UK universities. The funding will enable scientific research into clean maritime technologies, including the development of a liquid hydrogen facility at Durham University. The research will deepen the maritime sector’s understanding of hydrogen’s role in emissions-free shipping and support the UK’s broader ambitions to become a global leader in clean energy and maritime innovation.
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