Zero emission vessels and infrastructure two: alternative fuels
Forecasted
Zero emission vessels and infrastructure two: alternative fuels supports UK business-led collaborations developing vessels and refuelling infrastructure to demonstrate cleaner maritime operations.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Competition closing date)
Funding Amounts: Up to £150 million available; maximum £30 million per project and £20 million per participant
Summary: Supports UK business-led collaborations developing alternative-fuel vessels and refuelling infrastructure for real-world clean maritime demonstrations.
Key Information: Projects must sustain a three-year operational demonstration without grant funding support.
Description
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, delivers this competition with funding from the Department for Transport. The Alternative Fuels strand supports development and construction of innovative alternative-fuel vessels and accompanying port refuelling infrastructure, including new builds, retrofits, hybrid electric and alternative-fuel systems, fuel cells and combustion technologies. It funds industrial research and experimental development followed by a commercially sustained, real-world demonstration.
The competition forms part of the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme and supports the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy. Its goals are to reduce maritime greenhouse gas emissions, accelerate commercial adoption and create economic value for the UK. Projects involving multiple vessels for multiple end users are a priority, although all proposals addressing the central alternative-fuels theme are welcome.
