The UK government and private industry have announced a joint investment of more than £1.1 billion to boost growth, jobs and skills in coastal towns and cities, with a strong focus on maritime innovation and clean energy. The funding, revealed at London International Shipping Week (LISW), includes £448 million in government support and £700 million in private investment to accelerate growth across the sector and establish the UK as a global clean energy leader.
A significant portion of the funding will go towards cutting carbon emissions from shipping under the UK SHORE programme, which supports the development of green maritime technologies and fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, electric power, and wind propulsion. Previous UK SHORE projects have already delivered £240 million across 200 initiatives, supporting 750 jobs and innovations such as electric shore power systems and hydrogen from recycled wastewater.
Among the success stories are Cammell Laird’s zero-emission electric shore power system in Liverpool, Aqua Superpower’s network of electric chargepoints across the South Coast and London, and Smart Green Shipping’s wingsails in Scotland, which reduce fuel use and emissions by up to 40 percent. Collectively, these initiatives highlight the UK’s progress in pioneering technologies for carbon-free shipping by 2050 while creating green jobs and economic opportunities.
Major private investments include £300 million by Peel Ports for upgrades in Liverpool, Hunterston and Great Yarmouth, £250 million by NatPower Marine for shore power infrastructure, and £150 million by the Port of Tyne for its North Side expansion, which could generate up to 12,000 jobs in offshore wind and manufacturing. These projects are expected to deliver thousands of skilled jobs in engineering, construction, and green technology, strengthening local economies in coastal communities.
To further support the maritime sector, the government will revise its national policy statement on ports, aiming to streamline planning applications and reduce costs, while ensuring the UK remains a competitive global shipping hub. Alongside port infrastructure, the government has launched a UK cruise growth plan to sustain private investment in the cruise sector, which contributes £5.8 billion to the economy and supports 60,000 jobs.
Running from 15 to 19 September 2025, London International Shipping Week brings together global industry and government leaders to drive forward innovation, growth and investment. Senior ministers will participate in key events to showcase the UK as an international hub for maritime trade, clean energy, and economic opportunity.
