Maritime Minister is in Southampton today (22
April) to announce an £8 million funding boost to put the UK at
the forefront of cutting-edge maritime technology. From
self-driving boats to streamlined port operations, the use of
artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovations will boost the
economy and support coastal communities.
The Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund will kickstart feasibility
studies to develop smart shipping technologies such as AI,
robotics, and autonomous vessels. The winning projects will also
require match funding – leveraging further investment from the
private sector.
Successful ports will be able to use AI to detect safety hazards,
optimise port activities and reduce their environmental footprint
– making UK waters safer, operations smoother and air cleaner.
Maritime Minister Lord Davies said:
“Using AI and cutting-edge technology to make boats smarter and
transform port operations is part of our plan to decarbonise
shipping, enhance safety for our seafarers and help grow the
economy.
“AI has the potential to revolutionise the sector, create jobs
and support the economy.”
AI innovations are already transforming how we tackle and
diagnose diseases like cancer, improving our public services, and
ramping up productivity. It is the defining technology of our
generation. We have invested over £3.5 billion in the technology
in the last 10 years and are currently more than doubling the
‘Incubator for AI' team, recruiting the best of British talent to
drive AI integration across the public sector.
Today's funding comes from the wider £206 million UK Shipping
Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, announced
in March 2022.
Lord Davies is visiting Ocean Infinity, who create innovative
robotic technology to transform operations at sea. The company
won funding from DfT's UK SHORE programme to undertake innovative
projects in maritime decarbonisation including, most recently, a
share of £4.4m from ZEVI to develop future propulsion systems.
The competition will be managed by the delivery partner Innovate
UK.
Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate
UK:
“The UK is recognised as a global leader in digital technology
and this new fund will enhance that reputation in the maritime
sector too. Innovate UK are excited to see industry-led consortia
pioneer smart shipping feasibility studies that will demonstrate
a clear commercial pathway and positive environmental impact in
the near future. This is the latest investment as part of our key
partnership with DfT around the delivery of UK SHORE to boost
innovation across the UK's vibrant maritime sector.
“Alongside this competition for business-led innovation
funding, the complementary smart shipping community building
programme led by Innovate UK Business Connect will provide a
great opportunity for UK businesses to join a vibrant smart
shipping network that'll reach across the country.”
Chris Shirling-Rooke, Chief Executive at Maritime UK,
said:
"We are a proud island nation with a long and exceptional
maritime history. This new fund will allow the fostering of
innovation and embracing of cutting-edge technologies, so we can
ensure the UK maintains its position as one of the global centres
for green maritime technology.
This support will enable our top innovators and entrepreneurs to
not only drive substantial economic gains but also respond
dynamically to the major challenges and opportunities within the
UK's most important sector."
Peter Aylott, Director of Policy at UK Chamber of
Shipping said:
“Artificial intelligence will deliver real change in shipping
with an important role, alongside the sector's workforce, in
greater use of autonomous vessels, automation and data analysis.
These technologies will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
improve supply chains and generate jobs.
“Today's funding is an important step in driving UK cutting edge
technology and moving projects from the drawing board to
reality.”
