The UK government has awarded 80 million GBP in funding under its Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure (ZEVI) fund to help decarbonise the maritime sector.
This funding was announced at the start of London International Shipping Week, which focuses on sustainable technologies and artificial intelligence to grow the UK’s maritime economy.
The selected projects will benefit coastal communities across the UK. For example, Artemis Technologies, Orkney Ferries and The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) have been awarded funds to trial two inter-island electric ferries in Orkney, Scotland.
Meanwhile, Tidal Transit Ltd is electrifying a crew transfer vessel for offshore wind farms to enable the delivery of green energy.
In addition, a consortium led by Thames Clippers will build a 40-metre, electric freight catamaran to deliver Amazon parcels from Dartford to Tower Bridge Quay in order to reduce road freight from the city.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:London International Shipping Week is the perfect time to showcase the work we’re doing to generate maritime jobs across the country and develop new, clean technologies.
Today’s winners are at the cutting edge of the nation’s maritime industry – a crucial part of this government’s plan to grow the economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunities right across the UK.
The multi-million-pound ZEVI fund was launched in February to support projects in launching zero-emission vessels by 2025 at the latest.
The full list of ZEVI competition winners can be viewed here.
