The UK government has announced £30 million in funding to support maritime decarbonisation projects and coastal businesses. This investment is part of the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6), an initiative aimed at accelerating the development and implementation of low-carbon solutions for the maritime sector.
To date, CMDC funding has supported over 300 organisations and brought in more than £100 million in private investment for UK maritime decarbonisation projects, including onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS), electric propulsion, low-carbon fuels (such as hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol), and wind-assisted propulsion. This funding will play an important role in achieving the UK’s net-zero targets and strengthening its ambitions as a leader in green shipping innovation.
UK Maritime Minister, Mike Kane, commented on the initiative: ‘This new £30 million investment is part of our Plan for Change – growing the economy and making Britain a clean energy superpower. I’m proud to see this funding boost growth and create jobs throughout the UK, as well as ushering in an era of zero-emission shipping.’
One example of a successful CMDC-funded project is the development of the AirWing wind propulsion system, created by the Hull-based green technology provider, GT Wings. The AirWing system uses wind-assisted propulsion to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from vessels by up to 30%. Scheduled for sea trials in March 2025, the system is under assembly at MMS Docks in Hull and will be installed on a Carisbrooke ship.
Innovate UK is overseeing the distribution of CMDC funds and will open the application window for the sixth round of funding on 24 January 2025. The deadline for submissions is 16 April 2025.
Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, stated on 16 January 2025: ‘CMDC Round 6 is a great opportunity for UK innovators to take part in a world-renowned maritime transport R&D grant funding programme. The competition focuses on the ever-more prevalent issue of decarbonisation within the industry, and we’re looking forward to seeing participation from across the maritime transport sector and beyond.’
This latest funding round increases the total investment secured through CMDC to £159 million. This amount is in addition to the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, a £236 million initiative aimed at stimulating investment in technology, creating high-skilled employment opportunities, and fostering regional innovation in the UK maritime sector.
