The UK government has announced 271 million GBP in new funding to support cleaner shipping and strengthen coastal communities across the UK.
The investment was confirmed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Maritime Minister Keir Mather on 3 March 2026. It forms part of a wider 448 million GBP commitment to clean maritime innovation. The programme is intended to support skilled employment, encourage private investment and assist the transition to low-emission technologies in the maritime sector.
The 271 million GBP will be allocated through the seventh round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) and the second round of the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) fund. Grants will be awarded to companies developing cleaner fuels, vessels and supporting infrastructure aimed at reducing carbon emissions from shipping.
According to the DfT, earlier funding rounds have supported around 750 new and existing jobs across more than 500 businesses. Projects have been delivered in coastal locations including Teesport, Leith, Bristol and Hull, with the aim of contributing to local economic activity and skills development.
Port operators and maritime businesses seeking support for green fuel and infrastructure projects will be able to apply for CMDC Round 7 from 11 March. Applications for ZEVI Round 2 will open on 26 March.
Maritime Minister Keir Mather, said:We’re backing our maritime industries with a further £271 million investment to revolutionise technology and infrastructure, supporting skilled jobs across the UK.
Our maritime sector is vital to keeping us safe and secure, connecting people with loved ones alongside securing our economic prosperity. That’s why we’re investing in greener seas and technology that will set the sector on course for a prosperous future.
Previously supported initiatives include a project by ACUA Ocean in Plymouth, which developed a remotely operated hydrogen-powered vessel for offshore data gathering. Another example is Ensemble Analytics, which introduced artificial intelligence systems in port buildings at the Port of Newport to improve operational efficiency.
The government states that the overall 448 million GBP clean maritime commitment is expected to support more than 500 businesses and sustain hundreds of jobs across the UK as the sector works towards reducing emissions and modernising infrastructure.
