The first ‘green shipping corridors’ will be created between the UK and Europe, accessing prime destinations like Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen and Dublin.
UK’s Maritime Minister Mike Kane announced on October 17 the new projects which will receive funds to develop these future routes, including the Port of Tyne to the Port of Ijmuiden (Netherlands) and the Port of Holyhead to the Port of Dublin.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is also funding the development of green shipping routes from the UK to Norway and Demark.
Green corridors are zero emission maritime routes between two or more ports. The UK led the development of green corridors through the launch of the Clydebank Declaration at COP26.
Once developed, should the world’s biggest shipping companies operate along these greener routes, it could transform the ‘fast shopping’ industry, making the global shipment of goods more environmentally friendly.
Visiting the Port of Tyne, the Maritime Minister also announced separate funding to help make sea travel cleaner and smarter.
“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,” Mike Kane said.
Up to £8 million of match funding will be given to 30 projects across the UK to accelerate plans to develop smart technologies, such as autonomous systems, AI, robotics and sensors.
The funding comes from the fifth round of the government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC5), which focuses on driving innovative solutions and new technologies to decarbonise the industry and grow the economy.
Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne, said: “Today’s funding announcement will support the development of port infrastructure for electrification and the refuelling of state-of-the-art clean powered vessels.
“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.”
Ian Davies, Head of UK Port Authorities at Stena Line, said: “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.
“We’re currently working to futureproof our fleet across Europe by investing in new ships and have plans to convert existing ships to be able to operate on alternative fuel. This feasibility study will help us determine the best way forward for our 2 vessels on this key trading route to support our ambitious sustainability goals.”
This latest round of funding comes from the £206m UK SHORE programme which is focused on decarbonising the UK maritime sector through tech innovation.
