Innovative shipbuilding fund to encourage zero-emission solutions

The UK government has announced a new £20million green fund to develop innovate zero-emission vessels. The investment hopes to go towards clean port infrastructure as well as supporting new green innovation solutions for shipbuilding.

Sports vessels and leisure boats bring almost £1.6billion in annual exports to the UK economy. It is a sector that employs 40,000 people across the UK.

Transport Decarbonisation Plan and COVID recovery

This fund has been announced as the government prepares to launch its transformational Transport Decarbonisation Plan. The plan sets out how all modes of transport can make the switch to net zero. The government hopes that the maritime investment will drive economic growth helping the nation to build back greener from COVID-19.

The funding will encourage the development of hydrogen-powered vessels with e-charge points at ports. The fund will be used to develop prototype vessels that could then propel the maritime industry into net-zero.

This fund for shipbuilding has been announced as the UK prepares to host the COP26 Climate Change Summit in November. This is a great opportunity for businesses that are at the forefront of innovative transport solutions. If writing isn’t your strong suit, a Grant Writing Consultant can help. They are experts in writing funding proposals and can increase your chances of success if you’re lost as to where to start your proposal.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps 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.”

The £20million green fund for shipbuilding and ports hopes to:

  • Revitalise coastal communities
  • Drive economic growth
  • Create thousands of jobs
  • Position the UK as a leader in the field.

If the trials are successful, the government hopes the innovative technologies could be developed for commercial use.

Maritime Minister Robert Courts 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.”

This innovative green fund follows the Prime Minister’s ten-point plan for low-carbon travel. It’s been developed in partnership with the Carbon Trust. The Carbon Trust has a new study to be published in late spring 2021. It will set out how we can overcome the barriers to supply zero-carbon recreational craft. A series of recommendations to governments and industries will be made such as using alternative fuels.

Tom Delay, chief executive of 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.”

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