The UK government has selected winners that will receive a total of £30 million (about €34.4 million) in funding to decarbonize shipping and power up local economies.
Announced during Maritime Minister Mike Kane’s visit to Clydeport in Glasgow on July 24, 2025, the funding has been described as “crucial” in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future.
Awarded from the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), successful companies will be given a share of funding to support the development of clean maritime fuels and technologies such as ammonia, hydrogen, methanol, solar and electric.
Among the recipients is GT Wings, the UK-based wind propulsion company behind AirWing, the world’s ‘first’ commercially available jet sail, which received an additional £1 million in funding through CMDC6.
Investment in green fuels is expected to revitalize coastal communities by growing local economies and boosting jobs and skills.
CMDC has provided over £136 million funding to date to 142 organisations, as part of the wider UK SHORE funding – the government’s flagship program dedicated to decarbonizing maritime – for over 300 organizations, including 250 SMEs.
Successful projects include the installation of electric chargepoint networks across ports, including at Aberdeen, the demonstration of an electric crew transfer vessel at Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, and the demonstration of a green hydrogen shore power system at the port of Leith.
“It’s so exciting to see investment in green fuels and technologies spurring on skills, innovation and manufacturing across the UK, delivering on our Plan for Change missions to kickstart economic growth and become a clean energy superpower,” Kane commented.
“We’ve charted a course to net zero shipping by 2050 and this £30 million will be crucial in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future, so we can clean up sea travel and trade.”
During his visit to Clydeport, the minister met with workers from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, which is looking to help Smart Green Shipping scale up the manufacturing of the FastRig windsail going forward. Built nearby in Glasgow, the FastRig is a high-tech wing sail which can be installed onto vessels, reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 40% per annum. The project received £3.3 million from the third round of the CMDC and has now been successfully deployed at sea.
“Clean maritime is a vital part of a wider mission to decarbonise transport. Advanced manufacturing is critical to enable companies to scale up novel solutions that deliver emissions reductions and allow the creation of new jobs in these industries of the future,” Chris Courtney, CEO, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, said.
“We’ve spent the past 2 years working on the CMDC-funded MariLight projects, led by Glasgow-based Malin Marine Consultants, part of the Malin Group, supported by industry partners, where we demonstrated how advanced manufacturing can cut lead times, lower carbon, and enable localised production in shipbuilding. It’s great to see continued momentum through the programme, and we look forward to supporting Smart Green Shipping’s journey as it scales.”
“CMDC3 support enabled SGS, a Scottish based business, to demonstrate the safety and robustness of FastRig, our Clyde built wingsails, and to build out our digital decision-making platform, FastReach,” Diane Gilpin, Smart Green Shipping (SGS), CEO, highlighted.
“Over the last 3 years SGS has invested £7.6 million in R&D, 60% of that in Scotland. We’ve drawn upon engineering design skills in adjacent sectors like renewables and oil and gas, and digital expertise created in Scotland’s vibrant tech community. We are also working alongside the National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland to design circular manufacturing solutions to reduce embedded emissions and minimise use of precious materials while creating good green jobs as part of a sustainable just transition.”
The minister also met with Peel Ports and local workers at Clydeport’s King George V Docks. Delivering £3 million of investment to support the growing demand for handling huge wind turbine components for the renewable energy sector, Clydeport is keeping Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage and manufacturing expertise alive, equipping it to meet the modern-day needs of the sector.
“It’s fantastic to see government and industry working together to back innovation and today’s visit reinforces how Glasgow’s maritime legacy is helping to drive the UK’s clean energy future,” Jim McSporran, Port Director at Peel Ports Clydeport, stressed.
Building on its commitment to clean up shipping and deliver on the UK’s climate ambitions, UK SHORE is also delivering £3.85 million to the Clean Maritime Research Hub.
Formed from a consortium of 13 universities across the UK, dedicated to conducting scientific research in clean maritime, the funding will enable the hub to continue its important research, and support the installation of a liquid hydrogen facility at Durham University. The centre will develop the maritime sector’s understanding of the potential impact of liquid hydrogen – which is emission free – in the clean maritime transition.
In related news, the UK recently presented a new, major plan to decarbonize its fleet by 2050 while supporting coastal economies.
The UK Government’s Ambitious Plan for Carbon-Free Vessels
In a groundbreaking announcement on March 25, 2025, British Maritime Minister Mike Kane revealed the government’s new ambition to support all vessels operating in UK waters and docking at the country’s ports in becoming carbon-free. This initiative aims to collaborate with vessel owners, operators, and scientists to turn emission-free voyages into a reality.
The core of this plan revolves around alternative fuels and the development of necessary infrastructure to provide charging or refueling facilities for vessels. This move aligns with the nation’s transition to sustainable energy sources and underscores the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the maritime industry.
By investing in research and innovation, the UK government seeks to lead the way in promoting eco-friendly practices within the shipping sector. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also positions the UK as a pioneer in sustainable maritime operations.
Embracing Sustainable Energy Sources
The emphasis on alternative fuels highlights the importance of diversifying energy sources within the maritime industry. By exploring options such as hydrogen, electric propulsion, and biofuels, vessel owners can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Furthermore, the government’s commitment to developing charging and refueling infrastructure underscores its dedication to supporting the transition to sustainable practices. By providing the necessary resources and facilities, the UK aims to facilitate the adoption of emission-free technologies among vessel operators.
A Collaborative Approach to Environmental Conservation
Collaboration between industry stakeholders, scientists, and government entities is crucial in driving meaningful change within the maritime sector. By working together to implement innovative solutions and sustainable practices, stakeholders can collectively reduce the industry’s environmental impact and pave the way for a greener future.
Ultimately, the UK government’s ambitious plan for carbon-free vessels reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. By prioritizing eco-friendly initiatives and investing in green technologies, the UK aims to set a new standard for maritime operations and lead the way towards a more sustainable future.