Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MarRI-UK) has announced the winners of the Clean Maritime Call, an initiative supported by the Department for Transport (DfT). £1.4m has been awarded to 10 organisations. The grants will help find innovative ways to develop technology to assist the UK’s transition to a future of zero emission shipping, a long term ambition of Government.
The strategic vision for the future of the maritime sector was set out by the British Government in 2019, through the publication of Maritime 2050. This included a commitment drive a transition towards zero emission shipping. As a consequence, the Clean Maritime Plan was developed in line with the Environment Route Map of Maritime 2050.
To support the goal of zero emission shipping, the Clean Maritime Call was launched. Organisations from across the UK were able to apply for a grant to develop mid TRL (TRL 3-7) technology. 55 submissions were made, with an eventual 10 project proposals being selected for funding. The winners were selected by independent reviewers on various criteria including their strategic fit with Maritime 2050, value for money and environment impact.
The Clean Maritime Call winners are:
1. Lead organisation: Babcock International Group
Consortium: Fuel Cell Systems, Plug Power, University of Warwick Manufacturing Group
Project Title: FC-BATShip Fuel Cell-Battery Hybrid Ship: Advanced power-energy management solution for zero emission marine propulsion systems
Funding award: £195,407.00
2. Lead organisation: Bibby Marine Services Ltd.
Consortium:Damen Shipyards, Lloyd’s Register, Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, Peel Group, Square 5
Project Title: WaveMaster Zero C
Funding award: £ 208,528.00
3. Lead organisation: BMT
Consortium: –
Project Title: Energy Saving Technology (EST) Asset Leasing Models
Funding award: £27,160.53
4. Lead organisation: Green Fuel Research
Consortium: London South Bank University, University of Cardiff
Project Title: SALMO: Sustainable Aquaculture Leading to Marine Opportunities
Funding award: £243,814.69
5. Lead organisation: Intrada Ships Management
Consortium: –
Project Title: Electrification and Storage of Energy on Coastal General Cargo Vessel
Funding award: £ 67,424.89
6. Lead organisation: Marine South East (Commercial) Ltd.
Consortium: Houlder Ltd., Lloyds Register. Swanbarton Ltd
Project Title: Flow Batteries for Marine Application (FLO-MAR)
Funding award: £69,446.82
7. Lead organisation: Plymouth Boat Trips
Consortium: EVParts, Plymouth University, Teignbridge Propellers, University of Exeter, Voyager Marine Ltd.
Project Title: First Fully Electric Domestic Passenger Vessel in the UK
Funding award: £105,500.00
8. Lead organisation: RS Sailing
Consortium: –
Project Title: TorQ
Funding award: £250,000.00
9. Lead organisation: Signol
Consortium:University College London (UCL) – Energy Institute
Project Title: STEAM (Sustainability Through Efficient Actions in Maritime)
Funding award: £129,846.56
10. Lead organisation: University of Nottingham
Consortium:MAHLE Powertrain Ltd., Shell
Project Title: Advanced Zero Emission Ammonia Engines for Future Marine Applications
Funding award: £97,336.91
There’s more information about the Clean Maritime Call winners at the MarRI-UK website.
The funding represents an important step towards achieving a zero-emission future for the UK. Through the collaborative development of technology, there is an opportunity to decarbonise the economy and share British expertise across the world.
MarRI-UK will continue to champion collaboration between companies, academia and Government. The co-ordination of research across the maritime sector, underpinned by Government initiatives and investment will support wider environmental ambitions linked in innovation.