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The UK Government has unveiled the latest round of funding under the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6), designed to propel the development of cutting-edge green maritime technologies such as electric vessels, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and wind-powered solutions.
Managed by Innovate UK, the funding process will open for applications on 22 January 2025 and close on 16 April 2025. As part of the Government's Plan for Change, this initiative aims to revitalise regional economies, attract significant investment, and create jobs in coastal communities.
To date, the CMDC has delivered £159 million in funding through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UKSHORE) programme, which was launched in March 2022 with a £236 million budget. These efforts aim to drive the decarbonisation of the UK maritime sector and solidify the country’s position as a leader in maritime innovation.
Transformative Impacts from Previous Rounds
Previous rounds of the CMDC have supported over 300 organisations across the UK, unlocking more than £100 million in private investment. Notable achievements include:
Britain’s first electric chargepoint network for ports in the South West.
A hydrogen-powered research vessel retrofit in Wales.
Development of a cutting-edge carbon capture system for ships.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane said: “This new £30m 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.”
Hull: A Hub for Maritime Innovation
The latest funding highlights Hull’s emergence as a centre for maritime technology. With £3.7 million in CMDC funding, the city is assembling an advanced wind propulsion system called ‘GT Wings AirWing’ at MMS Docks. Scheduled for sea trials in March 2025, this system, designed to cut vessel emissions by up to 30%, is set to enhance Hull’s reputation in green shipping innovation while creating skilled jobs.
GT Wings’ chief executive George Thompson said: “We’re extremely excited about the imminent launch of AirWing, our next-generation, compact wind propulsion technology designed to help even the most challenging ocean-going vessels decarbonise by harnessing wind power.
“This progressive step has been made possible thanks to the support of the CMDC, which recognised the transformative potential of this innovation and GT Wings’ ability to scale it for market impact.
“With the UK leading the way in modern wind propulsion, it’s an exciting time to be driving fresh innovation in this space.”
Global Commitments to Zero-Emission Shipping
The UK and over a dozen nations signed the Clydebank Declaration at COP26 in 2021, committing to establishing zero-emission shipping corridors between ports. The initial plans aim to build six corridors by mid-2020, with the expansion of long-haul routes by 2030.
As part of these efforts, Peel Ports Group has announced plans to create the first green shipping corridor between the UK and Ireland, enabling electric ships to dock and recharge using clean energy.
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