Hydrogen-powered vessels and e-charge points at ports could
soon become a common sight on our seas and in our coastal
towns, thanks to a £20 million competition launched today [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 – propelling 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 thousands of
jobs, and positioning the country as a leader in the field. The
trials will enable companies to test the new technologies, with
a view to them being developed commercially if proven to be
successful, helping us build back greener from the pandemic.
Transport Secretary
said:
“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.”
Today’s competition launch comes as the Government prepares to
publish its transformational Transport Decarbonisation Plan
which sets out how all modes of transport – sea, rail, road and
aviation – can make the switch to net zero.
Maritime Minister
said:
"This is a turning point for the UK’s maritime sector. It’s
an opportunity for businesses to develop the technologies of
the future, not only protecting our environment but driving
economic growth.
“I urge this country’s best thinkers to put their green ideas
forward and help us deliver a better, cleaner maritime
sector.”
The Maritime Minister confirmed the news ahead of the launch of
two 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 will set out how we can overcome the
barriers to the supply of, and demand for, zero carbon
recreational craft. It will make a series of recommendations to
governments and industry, including on using alternative fuels,
which will be published in late Spring. Leisure boats and
sports vessels are vital to the UK economy, worth almost £1.6bn
in annual exports and employing 40,000 people across the UK.
This follows the Prime Minister’s
10-point plan, which positions the UK at the forefront of
shipbuilding and maritime technology to help push forward low
carbon travel.
Tom Delay, Chief Executive, the Carbon Trust
said:
“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. The recreational craft sector
encompasses a wide range of vessel types and there are unique
challenges that need to be overcome. A combination of
targeted innovation support, cross-industry collaboration and
regulatory and financial intervention will be needed to
accelerate the development and uptake of low carbon
technologies.”
A separate study is being developed on the offshore wind
sector, produced in partnership with the Offshore Renewable
Energy Catapult and Workboat Association. It will 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.
Andrew Jamieson, ORE Catapult Chief Executive,
said,
“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. We are confident that the UK
supply chain has the knowledge, endeavour and innovation to
support this ambition, whilst creating jobs and growth in
coastal communities and providing a springboard for the UK to
lead the clean maritime industry of the future”.
