Membership

Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MarRI-UK) submitted a Comprehensive Spending Review bid seeking £530 million of Government co-investment for a programme that aims to encourage greater use of safe, zero-carbon short sea shipping network.

A Zero-carbon Coastal Highway programme to transform the UK goods distribution reliance on road haulage could enable the UK to become a leading innovator in the global maritime sector. The ambition is to move more than 25% of UK’s land haulage tonne km via a zero-carbon automated fleet by 2030. MarRI-UK estimates that a successful transition to the network will add £1.8 billion additional revenue to the UK, create 39,000 extra jobs and reduce land-based CO₂ emissions by 30-40%.

The press release article can be found here.

Eleven projects to help promote technological innovation in UK Maritime have been awarded £1.5m as part of the Technology and Innovation in UK Maritime Call.

The Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MarRI-UK) initiative supported by the Department for Transport (DfT), will help develop technological innovation that improves UK Maritime services and operations.

Out of 59 submissions, 11 were selected for funding by independent reviewers. Criteria included their strategic fit with Maritime 2050 and its Technology and Innovation Route Map, value for money, innovation and benefits to maritime operations and services.

The following organisations were awarded a grant:

• Autonomous Devices Limited
• City College Plymouth
• Create Technologies Ltd
• Jebb Smith Ltd
• Liverpool John Moores University
• Marico Marine Ltd.
• Newcastle Marine Services Ltd
• PicSea Ltd
• Solent University
• University of Liverpool
• University of Plymouth

Details of the successful projects can be found here. 

The press release article can be found here.

This funding will help ensure the sustainability of our great maritime nation. Through collaborative development of innovative technologies, there is an opportunity to build a world leading industry that is fit for the future using the wealth of our maritime knowledge and expertise.

MarRI-UK champions collaboration between companies, academia and Government and is based at the University of Strathclyde. The coordination of research across the maritime sector tackles technology and innovation challenges, and is underpinned by Government and industry initiatives, investment and support.

£1.4m has been awarded to 10 organisations. The grants will help find innovative ways to develop technology to assist the UK’s transition to a future of zero emission shipping, a long term ambition of Government. 55 submissions were made, with an eventual 10 project proposals being selected for funding. The successful projects were selected by independent reviewers on various criteria including their strategic fit with Maritime 2050, value for money and environment impact. 

The following organisations were awarded a grant:

• Babcock International Group
• Bibby Marine Services Ltd.
• BMT
• Green Fuel Research
• Intrada Ships Management
• Marine South East (Commercial) Ltd.
• Plymouth Boat Trips
• RS Sailing
• Signol
• University of Nottingham

Details of the successful projects can be found here. 

The press release article can be found here.

The funding represents an important step towards achieving a zero-emission future for the UK. Through the collaborative development of technology, there is an opportunity to decarbonise the economy and share British expertise across the world.

MarRI-UK will continue to champion collaboration between companies, academia and Government. The co-ordination of research across the maritime sector, underpinned by Government initatives and investment will support wider environmental ambitions linked in innovation. 

At the moment the Project Timeline for both the Technology and Innovation in UK Maritime Call and the Clean Maritime Call still remains the same, however rest assured that MarRI-UK shall be constantly taking appropriate actions based on the latest government guidance and if there are to be any changes to the current schedule we shall relay them to you as soon as possible.

Thank you to everyone who has show MarRI-UK support over the last year. Times may be difficult just now but together we can generate technological innovations that will usher in a better and brighter future for UK Maritime.

If you have any issues or queries please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Stay well and stay safe,

The MarRI-UK Team