UK government unveils £1.5 million initiative for green maritime routes

UK Maritime Minister, Lord Davies, has launched the bidding process for £1.5 million ($1.9 million) funding to build zero-emission shipping routes.

UK government unveils £1.5 million initiative for green maritime routes

This fund aims to provide greener trips for passengers and freight, generate new jobs and stimulate the economy.

The fifth phase of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC5) will assist feasibility studies to accelerate the construction of ‘green corridors’.

These studies will identify the necessary infrastructure for vessels to access green fuels and charging systems, as well as legislation to promote decarbonisation in the sector.

According to the UK government, the goal is to attain net zero commitments without increasing taxpayer expenditures by adjusting the pricing of green fuels to reduce future costs.

If successful, zero-emission shipping routes will connect the UK to the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland, promoting economic and environmental growth in the industry.

Maritime Minister, Lord Davies, said: “By investing in zero-emission routes to and from the UK, we are not only creating a greener sector, but are also laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability, creating jobs and bolstering economic growth.

“This is a major milestone in UK’s pledge to keep our waters clean – with this funding aiming to support the creation of international zero emission routes by the mid-2020s.”

Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and Environment, Norway, stated: “The UK and Norway have longstanding relations on shipping, and with the initiative taken by the UK on the Clydebank Declaration in 2021, we have cooperated closely on the development of green shipping corridors.

“I am very pleased that we will now see the beginning of green shipping corridors between our two countries and look forward to contributing with support through our green shipping programme.”

Since the CMDC funding was first announced, during London International Shipping Week in 2023, the number of partner countries has increased and now includes the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland.

Bids for the UK-Ireland competition will begin on 15 April, with the UK-Netherlands competition following on 3 June. Both countries will match investments of £430,000 ($546,000). Delivery partner Innovate UK will oversee competitions and procurements.

In January, UK Maritime Minister, Lord Davies, announced the winners of £33 million ($42 million) of government funding to develop green technologies for ports and ships.