Coastal communities across the country are set to benefit from over £80 million of government funding as the winners of the Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure fund (ZEVI) are announced – supporting economic growth and boosting the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Announced at the start of London International Shipping Week – bringing together the world leaders in the maritime sector – the projects showcase the benefits maritime technology can bring to communities from Orkney to Portsmouth.
Whether it’s Artemis Technologies who are demonstrating inter-island electric ferries, helping boost regional connectivity and economic opportunity, or Tidal Transit Ltd who are electrifying a crew transfer vessel for offshore wind farms and enabling greener sustainable energy, today’s winners have a crucial role to play in cleaning up the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels.
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 opportunity right across the UK.”
Maritime Minister Baroness Vere said:
“The maritime sector’s drive towards a cleaner future goes hand in hand with the Government’s plan to grow the economy and create new, well-paid jobs all over the UK.
“As a seafaring nation, it is in our national character to push nautical limits, and this funding will help to ensure the UK maintains its position at the leading edge of maritime innovation. I look forward to seeing all the industry has to offer over the course of London International Shipping Week.”
London International Shipping Week, which runs from 11 September to 15 September, is one of the most important international shipping and maritime events in the world.
Having grown consistently – and rapidly – since its conception in September 2013, this year’s event is the 10th anniversary and will explore the future of maritime with decarbonisation and the influx of artificial intelligence.
The Transport Secretary will view one of Artemis Technologies’ clean vessels on the River Thames this morning, before chairing a roundtable at No10 Downing Street with senior representatives from maritime, technology and academia on artificial intelligence in maritime and the opportunities it presents for economic growth. The Maritime Minister will also be attending events throughout the week.
Sarah Treseder, CEO of UK Chamber of Shipping said:
“The number of applications meant hard decisions had to be made but shows the strong desire to reduce emissions across the sector and the successful projects will be a crucial element in the journey to net zero.
“Published today, our Value of Shipping report shows that 650,000 jobs are dependent on shipping with every job in shipping supporting 10 more in the wider economy. This welcome funding is a chance to build on this strong foundation and help shipping deliver further jobs, innovation and economic growth in all parts of the UK.”
The multi-million-pound Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) fund, launched in February, is designed to take tech from the factory to the sea by supporting projects which have a long-term impact in reducing carbon emissions.
Successful projects must show they could use this money to work with major UK ports and operators to launch a zero-emission vessel by 2025 at the latest.
One project on the south coast of England, the Zero Emission Network of Workboats, claim their work will deliver savings of 1000 tonnes of CO2 over the span of the three-year demonstration. That’s a saving equivalent to 113,000km driven by an HGV – saving millions of tonnes of CO2 if implemented around the world.
This funding will also support an emission free postal service through Thames Clipper’s project to use a 100% electric fast vessel to deliver Amazon parcels from Dartford to Tower Bridge Quay.
Hundreds of jobs are being supported thanks to ZEVI with the resulting research and development helping the sector shift its energy source away from fossil fuels.
Portsmouth International Port has predicted the funding it’s receiving will help them deliver their 20-year plan and grow their employment from just under 6,000 to just over 40,000 while Collins River Enterprises have forecasted a boost in job numbers by up to 800 thanks to today’s funding.
