Announced at the opening of London International Shipping Week, the UK government has unveiled £1.15 billion in joint public and private investment to drive shipping decarbonisation, modernise port infrastructure and support coastal economies.
Of the total package, £448 million will be directed into the UK SHORE programme, the Department for Transport’s flagship initiative for clean maritime technology. Launched in March 2022 with an initial budget of up to £206 million, UK SHORE has since allocated £240 million across more than 200 projects, supporting around 750 jobs. Projects have ranged from hydrogen production and methanol-based fuels to wingsail retrofits and electric charging networks.
According to the government, the new round of funding will expand support for zero-emission vessels, alternative fuels and port-side infrastructure. Notable examples include Cammell Laird’s £7 million shore power system at Birkenhead, part-funded by a £3.5 million government grant.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the funding will ‘supercharge growth and jobs in our coastal towns and cities, making the UK one of the best places in the world to invest. We are committing almost half a billion to cut carbon emissions from shipping, steering us towards net zero by 2050 and cementing Britain’s place as a clean energy superpower through our Plan for Change.’
The scale of industry participation underscores the private sector’s alignment with government priorities. Peel Ports announced £300 million for developments across its Liverpool, Hunterston and Great Yarmouth facilities, NatPower Marine committed £250 million to shore-side power infrastructure, and the Port of Tyne confirmed £150 million for a North Side expansion to support offshore wind and advanced manufacturing.
Stefano D.M. Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower Marine, said: ‘We are investing over £250 million in the UK over the next 5 years to accelerate the rollout of shore power infrastructure – a game-changer for both the maritime industry and our coastal communities.’
Other beneficiaries of earlier UK SHORE competitions are now reaching commercial deployment. Aqua Superpower has rolled out vessel charging stations along the South Coast and in London, estimating annual CO2 savings of up to 2,800 tonnes. In Scotland, Smart Green Shipping is advancing its FastRig wingsails, designed to cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40%.
Investment momentum is also visible in offshore energy and industrial development linked to ports. The Port of Tyne is moving forward with its £150 million North Side expansion, a project the port says could create up to 12,000 jobs. Port of Tyne CEO Matt Beeton commented: ‘Accelerating offshore wind, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing is a national priority and requires decisive action.’
The government has signalled further support by preparing a revised national ports policy statement to streamline planning approvals for expansion projects. This is intended to reduce costs and delays for operators involved in energy transition and large-scale infrastructure schemes.
