Funding boost for Solent’s zero-emission maritime ambitions 

Several Solent-based maritime organisations have secured over £32m funding in the UK government’s Zero Emissions Vehicles and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, ensuring a significant portion of the £80m match-funding made available by the government will support clean innovation in the Solent, on the UK’s south coast.

The funding will support the design and development of clean maritime solutions and is being made available for the construction and set-up of projects which can demonstrate zero-emission solutions in a real-world environment.

Anne-Marie Mountifield, chair of regional maritime cluster Maritime UK Solent, congratulated the Solent organisations who had secured national funding, saying: “We are immensely proud of our Solent-based maritime organisations for their outstanding achievements in the ZEVI competition.

“This significant government funding recognises their dedication to driving innovation in clean maritime technologies and sets a powerful example for the entire industry. These successes will not only accelerate the shift towards zero-emission vessels but also create new job opportunities and stimulate investment in our region. These successes reflect the Solent region’s dedication to driving the maritime industry towards a sustainable and greener future.”

The ZEVI competition recognised the pioneering efforts of several organisations based in the Solent area, reinforcing its position as a hub for innovation and excellence in the maritime sector.

The Solent organisations successful in the ZEVI competition are:

Lloyd’s Register EMEA: A leading maritime classification society that plays a vital role in ensuring vessels meet the highest environmental standards.

H Taylor & Son: Part of the Zero Emission Workboat Network (ZENOW) project, a partnership of leading UK marine industry businesses and organizations that will make a step change in zero-emission workboat operations. It will do this through the deployment of the world’s largest network of zero-emission electric workboats.

Aqua Superpower Limited: A company dedicated to building a fully electric infrastructure of local charging networks for the global marine market.

Cheetah Marine International Ltd: An industry leader in the specialist design and construction of power catamarans.

Urban Truant Power Ltd: One of the UK’s leading RYA sail and power training schools.

RAD Propulsion Ltd: A cutting-edge firm specialising in developing innovative and sustainable outboards.

Royal Yachting Association: The national governing body for sailing, windsurfing, power boating, and personal watercraft in the UK, actively supporting sustainable maritime practices.

Wight Shipyard Company Limited: A renowned shipbuilder producing vessels prioritising sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Portsmouth International Port and Barter for Things Limited: as part of the Sea Change project consortium, which consists of Portsmouth International Port, Brittany Ferries, Iotic Labs, Barter for Things, University of Portsmouth, Marine South East, and Swanbarton.

The project will create new local jobs. which will build and operate a new shore power system serving the three largest berths at Portsmouth International Port. This will allow Brittany Ferries vessels and visiting cruise ships to ‘plug in’ to the port’s electricity grid and switch off their engines.

Additionally, the system will support the charging of two new hybrid/LNG ferries that will enter and leave the port under electric power to further reduce emissions. The project aligns with the UK government’s Clean Maritime Plan, will save tens of thousands of tonnes of CO2e, and will improve air quality in the city of Portsmouth.

Ocean Infinity Innovations Limited: This project brings together the proven world-class power systems capabilities of Cummins, with the platform provided by the Ocean Infinity Armada fleet. The project will develop and deploy a UK-designed and built methanol conversion kit for a high horsepower marine internal combustion engine on a 78m state-of-the-art battery hybrid offshore services vessel operating in the North Sea. In doing so, the UK will gain an important foothold in enabling the transition to cleaner maritime fuels.

The ZEVI competition represents a step towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible maritime industry. Maritime UK Solent says the ‘government’s commitment to supporting green shipping’ aligns with its ‘vision of a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous maritime future for the Solent region and beyond.’

Last month, RS Electric Boats revealed its ZENOW (Zero Emission Network of Workboats) project had received £4.1m in grant funding from the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions and Innovate UK as part of the ZEVI competition.

Main image: An electric-propelled vessel from RAD Propulsion, one of the ZEVI competition winners.