New government competition could see net-zero ships by 2025

The government has launched a new competition to try to find green maritime solutions, with aims for winning projects to launch vessels by 2025. 

Combined with a £77m investment in clean maritime technology, this is the first time the government has specifically targeted funding in this sector. 

The maritime industry currently has a big impact on the environment, with the shipping accounting for 2.5% of the world’s carbon emissions, while boats also emit gases harmful to human health, such as sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide. 

Solutions could look like boats powered by electric batteries, shoreside electrical power, ships running on low-carbon fuel like hydrogen, or ferries powered by the wind.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: ‘When it comes to tackling climate change, we are taking action on all transport modes, which is why we’re making sure our world-leading maritime sector has a greener future.

‘This multi-million-pound investment will help the latest tech ideas become reality and ensure UK waters will play host to green cargo ships, ferries and cruises in the next few years.

‘Our funding will support a cleaner freight system, a more environmentally friendly tourism industry, and a net-zero maritime sector.

The Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition will be run by Innovate UK which has overseen similar competitions in various different industries.

Innovate UK Executive Director for Net Zero Mike Biddle said: ‘This latest £77 million investment in clean maritime innovation is another major milestone in the delivery of the wider UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme to accelerate the transition to net zero.

‘Innovate UK will work closely with the Department for Transport in delivering the Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure competition, resulting in multi-year real world demonstrations of clean maritime technologies around the UK.’

Universities across the UK are also being encouraged to join the new Clean Maritime Research Hub with £7.4m of government and additional funding available.

The hub will be delivered in partnership with and co-funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Photo by Chris Pagan