The UK Government has provided £33 million in funding to over 30 projects to develop green technologies for the country’s ports and ships.

The funding pot has been awarded to 33 projects across all 12 UK regions to deliver demonstrations, factory trials, and feasibility studies.

The government said that the initiatives position the UK as a leader in emerging clean maritime tech, helping to boost high-skilled sustainable jobs and coastal economies.

The funding comes from the fourth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4), which focuses on developing clean maritime technologies including electric, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and wind power.

It also follows three previous funding rounds, which allocated over £95 million to 105 projects and leveraged over £45 million in private investment.

In Scotland, the Orkney Islands Council, the University of Strathclyde, and Edinburgh-based wastewater treatment startup Waterwhelm were among the latest round’s winners.

Waterwhelm was awarded just under £130,000 to deliver a state-of-the-art demonstrator system at the Port of Leith for the production of hydrogen for shore power. The startup will use treated wastewater that’s ordinarily put into the sea to produce freshwater for hydrogen production.

Speaking on the new funding, and having visited some of the winning organisations today, maritime minister Lord Davies said: “Unlocking a sustainable maritime sector and the economic growth it provides relies on cutting-edge technology to propel it to the next level. The voyage to sustainability demands bold investments to not just deliver greener shipping but highly skilled jobs across the UK.

“Today, we witnessed a firsthand glimpse into the transformative solutions that can help shape the future landscape of the maritime industry and support jobs in coastal communities.”

The government also said that the support has fostered partnerships between government and the private sector, “paving the way for exciting innovations that will decarbonise the maritime industry.”

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Lesley Robinson, the CEO of British Marine, the membership company for the UK’s maritime industry, commented: “This significant funding is just one way in which the government can help accelerate our industry’s journey to net zero emissions and mark a new era in maritime history.

“Many of our members are pioneering electric vessels and charging ports, in turn, contributing to environmental sustainability, job creation and the UK’s levelling-up agenda.

“We’re excited to witness this pivotal shift towards a cleaner, more prosperous maritime future.”

The announcement of the winners comes on the first-ever International Day of Clean Energy, declared by the United Nations to raise awareness about the clean energy transition and help prompt action.