The UK Government has unveiled plans to allocate funds for developing green shipping corridors, a move poised to increase the use of sustainable fuels, create new green jobs, and promote environmentally friendly maritime travel across Europe.
Green corridors refer to zero-emission maritime routes connecting multiple ports. The UK has been at the forefront of this initiative, having spearheaded the Clydebank Declaration during COP26, which set the stage for global green corridor projects.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane announced that new funding will support the creation of future routes, such as those linking the Port of Tyne with the Port of Ijmuiden in the Netherlands and the Port of Holyhead with the Port of Dublin. Additionally, green shipping routes from the UK to Norway and Denmark are in the pipeline, with project leaders for these routes soon to be confirmed.
The Department for Transport (DfT) will provide up to £8 million to 30 UK projects to accelerate the development of smart maritime technologies. These technologies will include cutting-edge innovations like autonomous systems, AI, robotics, and sensors designed to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of shipping operations.
Officials also highlighted that the world's first 'green shipping corridors' will be established between the UK and Europe, connecting key destinations such as Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen, and Dublin. These pioneering routes aim to set a global standard for sustainable maritime travel and significantly reduce emissions along critical shipping paths.
"Shipping is a big contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, so these new green corridors could be a real game changer for industry. This is exactly the direction we need to be going in to achieve our mission of becoming a clean energy superpower," Minister Kane said.
"These new corridors could turbocharge the use of sustainable fuels, secure the green jobs of the future and advance environmentally friendly travel to major European capitals like Amsterdam and Dublin."
"This important green infrastructure will ensure that the Port of Tyne and the Port of Ijmuiden are supporting decarbonised routes between the North East of England and Europe with the aim of saving up to 850,000 tonnes of CO2 annually," Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne, stated.
"We're delighted to have been awarded this funding to explore establishing the first 'green corridor' between Wales and Ireland. Stena Line aims to be a leader in sustainability in the industry, and we look forward to collaborating with our partners to assess the infrastructure needs in Holyhead Port to support a fossil-free shipping corridor to Dublin Port, working together with both ferry operators," Ian Davies, Head of UK Port Authorities at Stena Line, commented.
"Like so many industries, the maritime sector is under immense pressure to decarbonise its transport and process methods. Innovate UK is proud to be a key delivery partner for DfT's UK SHORE programme, which provides a unique platform for innovators and collaborators to demonstrate real-world solutions to some of the sector's most pressing challenges," Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, added.
This new wave of funding is part of the £206 million UK SHORE program, dedicated to decarbonising the UK's maritime sector by driving technological innovation. The program aims to support the development of cleaner, more sustainable shipping practices through cutting-edge solutions and infrastructure.
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