The UK government has launched its new Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund today—an £8 million programme aiming to put the UK at the forefront of cutting-edge maritime technology.

Maritime minister Lord Davies is in Southampton to announce the fund, which will help kickstart feasibility studies to develop smart shipping tech such as autonomous vessels.

Proposals for automated port systems to help them detect safety hazards, optimise activities, and reduce environmental footprint are also eligible to receive the financial support.

The fresh batch of funding comes from the wider £206 million UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, which was announced in March 2022.

“Using AI and cutting-edge technology to make boats smarter and transform port operations is part of our plan to decarbonise shipping, enhance safety for our seafarers and help grow the economy,” commented the minister.

“AI has the potential to revolutionise the sector, create jobs and support the economy.”

Lord Davies is making the announcement while visiting Ocean Infinity, a company creating robotic technology to help transform operations at sea.

The company won funding from DfT’s UK SHORE programme to undergo forward-thinking projects in maritime decarbonisation including, most recently, a share of £4.4m from the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure competition (ZEVI) to develop future propulsion systems.

Winning projects of the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund will also require match funding, leveraging further investment from the private sector.

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Commenting on the fund, Peter Aylott, director of policy at the UK Chamber of Shipping, said: “Artificial intelligence will deliver real change in shipping with an important role, alongside the sector’s workforce, in greater use of autonomous vessels, automation and data analysis.

“These technologies will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve supply chains and generate jobs.

“Today’s funding is an important step in driving UK cutting-edge technology and moving projects from the drawing board to reality.”

Chris Shirling-Rooke, chief executive at Maritime UK, also added: “We are a proud island nation with a long and exceptional maritime history.

“This new fund will allow the fostering of innovation and embracing of cutting-edge technologies, so we can ensure the UK maintains its position as one of the global centres for green maritime technology.

“This support will enable our top innovators and entrepreneurs to not only drive substantial economic gains but also respond dynamically to the major challenges and opportunities within the UK’s most important sector.”