Hydrogen-powered vessels and e-charge points at ports could soon become a common sight on the UK seas and coastal towns, thanks to a £20 million competition launched on 22 March 2021, to make innovative green maritime ideas a reality.
The fund will be used to support the development of prototype vessels and port infrastructure that could then be rolled out widely. The aim is to propel the sector towards net-zero, as the UK prepares to host the COP26 climate change summit in November.
The government is encouraging scientists and academics to collaborate with UK shipping, ports and shipbuilders to enter ambitious proposals into the competition:
- driving economic growth
- revitalising coastal communities
- creating 1000s of jobs
- positioning the country as a leader in the field
The trials will also enable companies to test the new technologies, in ordeer to be developed commercially if proven to be successful.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, commented on the occassion:
We have a proud shipbuilding history and, together with industry, I am determined to build on that as we look to develop the innovations of the future and meet our net-zero target. We are revolutionising maritime technology and, from electric boats to hydrogen ports, we will change the way this country sails forever, and bring jobs and prosperity to the UK
In addition, the Maritime Minister Robert Courts, confirmed the news ahead of the launch of 2 government-funded studies focused on achieving net-zero in both the recreational craft sector and offshore wind sectors.
Developed in partnership with the Carbon Trust, the new study on recreational craft, which will be published in late spring, will set out how we can overcome the barriers to the supply of, and demand for, zero-carbon recreational craft.
It will also make a series of recommendations to governments and industry, including using alternative fuels.
This follows the Prime Minister’s ten-point plan, which positions the UK at the forefront of shipbuilding and maritime technology to help push forward low carbon travel.
The maritime sector must decarbonise by 2050. Large numbers of people both enjoy and are employed by the recreational craft industry, and there are opportunities for leadership in decarbonisation technologies
Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust, said.
Furthermore, a separate study is being developed on the offshore wind sector, produced in partnership with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and Workboat Association. It aims to bring a coalition of industry partners together to break down the barriers to moving all operational and maintenance vessels working in the North Sea offshore wind sector to zero emissions by 2025.
This report will make clear that the North Sea’s offshore wind and maritime industries, made up of wind farm, vessel and port operators, are united in their determination to decarbonise their operations
Andrew Jamieson, ORE Catapult chief executive, explains.
