The Solent’s maritime industry has received a vital Government cash injection to develop green technologies, endorsing the region’s commitment to a more sustainable future.
Maritime UK Solent (MUK Solent) has welcomed the announcement that 12 out of 33 UK-wide projects in the fourth-round funding of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4), include businesses based in the Solent region.
In financial terms, 24% of the £33m available in funding from the competition, that focuses on developing a range of clean maritime technologies, has been secured by the Solent’s maritime sector.
Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chair of Maritime UK Solent, was delighted with the news: “This is a wonderful boost for the Solent’s maritime cluster, and congratulations to those organisations who were successful in securing funding in the latest round of the Government’s CMDC4 competition.
“It is a positive step towards achieving Maritime UK Solent’s’ ambitions for greener shipping using cleaner maritime fuels. These initiatives position the UK as a leader in emerging clean maritime technologies, fostering sustainable high-skilled jobs across the country and boosting coastal economies.
“In the long-term, the green technologies that emerge from the Solent’s world-leading maritime cluster will ensure that the region and the UK retain a strategic position on the global maritime stage.”
Working together with Government officials and Innovate UK, MUK Solent supported its over 900-strong maritime network to explore opportunities, and to encourage applications to the fourth-round funding of the CMDC4.
Over 20 winning businesses and organisations in the Solent region will use the grant to undertake trials and feasibility studies into clean maritime technologies, including electric, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and wind power. Winning organisations include, Solent University, University of Southampton and Wight Shipyard Company Ltd.
