Project Zero wins funding in UK’s Clean Maritime competition

A research and development project to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of achieving zero-emission operations in offshore survey and research vessels (OSRVs) has been awarded funding under the UK government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 2.

Project Zero is a collaboration between OS Energy, Newcastle Marine Services, the University of Strathclyde, Ecomar Propulsion, the University of Exeter, Cedar Marine, Chartwell Marine and Solis Marine Engineering.

Starting in January 2023, the eight partners will investigate innovative ship designs and integration with energy-efficient hybrid drive train systems to increase overall ship efficiency resulting in significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the transition to zero-emission fuels. 

Martin Nuernberg, director at OS Energy UK, says: “The main focus is the feasibility and route to market for the design and supply of a new build zero-emission OSRV within the UK. Providing a crucial step in the transition to zero-emission ships, the vessel’s modular powertrain and support of offshore renewable energy developments will provide strong synergies in support of the UK’s target for the maritime sector through the Clean Maritime Plan and the transition to net zero by 2050.”

Solis Marine Engineering managing director Simon Hindley says: “Solis Marine Engineering will be providing naval architecture support, including powertrain options and integration in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.” 

While in the short term, a mix of fuel will be used to allow zero-emission propulsion in an industrial environment with an innovative engine room configuration, moving with regulatory and technological developments in the long term the vessel will be able to operate purely fuelled by hydrogen, ammonia or other alternative fuels. 

The project addresses key challenges and barriers to achieving zero-emission propulsion and strengthening the UK maritime industry, such as: 

• Energy efficiency improvements of ship and integrated systems in light of the transition from high-energy fossil fuels. 
• Significantly reducing GHG emissions of offshore renewable support activities. 
• Integration of innovative drive train systems and control strategies for hybrid electric operations. 
• Advancing development and justification of new rules and regulations relating to the storage, handling and operation of alternative fuels in the maritime industry. 
• Accelerating supply chain developments, skills and education towards building world-leading offshore support vessels in the UK.

Project Zero is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 2 (CMDC2), which was launched in May 2022, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

As part of the CMDC2, the department allocated over £14m to 31 projects supported by 121 organisations from across the UK to deliver feasibility studies and collaborative R&D projects in clean maritime solutions.