Carisbrooke Shipping has welcomed the UK government’s latest £30m investment in maritime decarbonisation, reinforcing the industry’s shift towards cleaner, more sustainable operations.
As part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6), the funding is intended to support innovations such as wind propulsion, hydrogen, and electric technologies to cut emissions and create jobs across the UK’s coastal economies.
One of the major projects within Innovate UK framework is the deployment of GT Wings’ AirWing wind propulsion system on Carisbrooke vessel Vectis Progress. Expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by double digits, the technology is currently being assembled at the MMS Docks in Hull, with sea trials scheduled for February 2025.
UK Maritime Minister Mike Kane said: “This new £30m investment is part of our Plan for Change – growing the economy and making Britain a clean energy superpower. I’m proud to see this funding boost growth and create jobs throughout the UK, as well as ushering in an era of zero-emission shipping.”
Capt Simon Merritt, Senior Fleet Manager, Carisbrooke Shipping, added: “We look forward to the first AirWing being installed on our cargo ship this month, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This project has been accelerated with funding from the Department for Transport and Innovate UK under CMDC Round 4. It demonstrates the power of collaboration between leading British companies, turning innovative ideas into real solutions to decarbonise the maritime industry while creating job opportunities in the UK.”
With CMDC6 applications opening on 24 January 2025, Carisbrooke Shipping says it continues to champion advancements that enhance operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. The latest funding round brings total investment in UK maritime decarbonisation to £159m, fostering economic growth while driving the transition towards net-zero shipping.
Image: GT Wings’ AirWing being prepared for installation (source: Carisbrooke Shipping)
