UK government launches bidding process for funding focused on green corridors

The UK’s Maritime Minister, Lord Davies, on Friday (5 April) launched the bidding process for the GBP 1.5 million (USD 2 million) funding aimed at establishing zero emission shipping routes to and from the UK, according to the Department of Transport. 

The fifth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC5) will support feasibility studies focused on accelerating the development of ‘green corridors’. 

The studies will map out infrastructure required along the routes to enable vessels to access green bunker fuels and power charging systems, as well as look at further regulations required to push the industry towards decarbonisation. Importantly, it aims to achieve our net zero commitments without imposing additional costs to taxpayers by finding ways to adapt the costs of green fuels, to bring down the costs in future.

If successful, it will bring about zero emission shipping routes connecting the UK to the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland – creating opportunities for the sector to thrive, both economically and environmentally.

Maritime Minister, Lord Davies, said: “By investing in zero emission routes to and from the UK, we are not only creating a greener sector, but are also laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability, creating jobs and bolstering economic growth.”

“This is a major milestone in UK’s pledge to keep our waters clean – with this funding aiming to support the creation of international zero emission routes by the mid-2020s.”

Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and Environment, Norway, said: “The UK and Norway have longstanding relations on shipping, and with the initiative taken by the UK on the Clydebank Declaration in 2021, we have cooperated closely on the development of green shipping corridors.”

“I am very pleased that we will now see the beginning of green shipping corridors between our two countries and look forward to contributing with support through our green shipping programme.”

Since the CMDC funding was first announced, during London International Shipping Week in 2023, the number of partner countries has increased and now includes the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland.

This is progressing the UK’s commitment at COP26 where the UK led the Clydebank Declaration for Green Shipping Corridors – a ground-breaking global initiative to develop zero emission shipping routes between ports. 

The funding comes from the wider GBP 206 million UK  Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, announced in March 2022. Ireland and the Netherlands will provide match-funding for organisations in their countries, while Denmark and Norway will provide other contributions through access to information and facilitation of collaboration. 

The UK-Ireland competition will open for bids on 15 April 2024 and the UK-Netherlands competition will open for bids shortly after on 3 June 2024. Both countries will provide match funding of GBP 430,000. The competitions and procurements will be managed by delivery partner Innovate UK.

Photo credit: Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Published: 8 April 2024