The UK Government has announced a £448 million investment in research and development for the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE), enabling the maritime sector to plan the next five years of clean innovation. This funding aligns with the Department for Transport’s March 2025 maritime decarbonisation strategy (MDS), which sets out a pathway for the UK maritime sector to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through policies, regulations, and technological advancements. R&D is essential to scale clean maritime technologies affordably and ensure that the UK maintains its expertise and innovation in the sector.
Since 2022, UK SHORE has allocated £240 million to develop clean maritime solutions, funding over 200 projects and leveraging more than £110 million in private investment. The programme has benefited all UK nations and regions, supporting over 500 organisations, including 250 SMEs. UK SHORE has advanced electric and efficiency solutions for ferries, cargo vessels, and offshore wind vessels, as well as zero and near-zero emission fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol. Continued R&D is required to bring these solutions to maturity and improve their commercial viability.
The new £448 million investment, covering 2026 to 2030, will accelerate the development and commercialisation of technologies necessary for maritime decarbonisation, while supporting economic growth and cementing the UK as a hub for maritime innovation. In partnership with Innovate UK, the programme will fund initiatives such as the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure competition (ZEVI2) and the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC7) to support real-world trials and market-ready technologies. Early-stage scientific research will continue through the Clean Maritime Research Hub, in collaboration with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, while international R&D partnerships, including the Eureka research programme, will facilitate pre-deployment trials and global market penetration.
UK SHORE will also address barriers to scaling up technologies and companies, collaborating with Innovate UK, government bodies, the National Wealth Fund, and the British Business Bank. By accelerating the commercial readiness of UK clean maritime solutions, the programme aims to strengthen the domestic supply chain, increase exports, and enhance international leadership. Investment will be distributed across all regions and devolved administrations, supporting coastal communities, manufacturing hubs, and the broader UK maritime ecosystem.
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