The maritime sector in the United Kingdom has received further assistance in the battle to decarbonise the industry and boost the economy, with the UK government committing £34 million (US$44 million) in funding as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) on 7 July 2023.
With the fourth round of funding, the total amount invested through the CMDC now stands at approximately £129 million (US$166 million). The competition aims to promote continuous progress towards net zero goals by developing unique and sustainable technologies that link people, products, and services in a cleaner, greener manner.
“Pushing the boundaries of possibility is integral to the UK’s global ambition of a greener maritime sector. That’s why today’s new round of funding continues to set that course, not only keeping our climate goals on track but also boosting opportunities for private investment, new jobs and growing the economy,” stated UK’s Maritime Minister, Baroness Charlotte Vere.
The funding will be available for applicants from 2 August through 27 September. Prospective bids will be evaluated using a variety of criteria to determine their potential of delivering real-world demonstrations of clean marine technologies.
This might range from developing alternate fuel sources for cargo ships to pushing the boundaries of battery-powered vessels.
In the first three rounds of the CMDC, 105 projects from across the UK were granted more than US$122 million to assist in the design and development of clean marine solutions for commercialisation.