RACE TO NET ZERO BOOST

A multi-million-pound Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure competition has been launched to help decarbonise the UK’s maritime sector.

Zero-emission ferries, cruises and cargo ships will set sail in UK waters within two years, creating thousands of new jobs, thanks to a £77 million government investment in clean maritime technology. The funding will take the tech from the factory to the sea – identifying which projects will have a long-term impact in reducing emissions.

Successful projects must show they could use the money to work with major UK ports and operators to launch a zero-emission vessel by 2025 at the latest. Examples of such technology include battery electric vessels, shoreside electrical power, ships running on low carbon fuels like hydrogen or ammonia and wind-assisted ferries.

Here is Teresa Simmonds at Chew Valley Sailing Club, in the South West, holding a copy of the last issue. It is Teresa’s fabulous photo gracing the cover of February's All at Sea, after she won 2022 Reader Photo of the Year. See this month’s reader photos on page 20, and find out how you can enter!

Defence Secretary and Shipbuilding Tsar, Ben Wallace, said: “This investment is a clear statement that we are taking these plans seriously, helping to put the UK at the cutting edge of clean maritime technology while benefitting thousands of UK jobs.”

The government is also calling on universities across the UK to join forces to establish a new Clean Maritime Research Hub, with £7.4 million funding from government and additional funding from academia and industry.

Research in the fundamental science behind clean maritime technologies will be delivered by the hub, building evidence and expertise for the maritime sector. It will also support skills development across the industry and generate knowledge for maritime decision-makers.