Innovate UK and The Department for Transport Partner for Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) Round 4: Vessel or Infrastructure demonstrations

In a significant move towards combatting climate change and revolutionising the maritime sector, Innovate UK, a division of UK Research and Innovation, has joined with The Department for Transport (DfT) to invest up to £34 million in innovation projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
The initiative, known as the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) Round 4, is part of the UK’s overarching strategy to transform itself into a global leader in the design and manufacturing of clean maritime technology. With growing environmental concerns surrounding the shipping industry, this partnership signifies a significant step towards a sustainable future.

Ambitious Goals to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Shipping is a critical industry for global trade but is also a substantial contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In light of this, the UK has established the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE), an entity dedicated to driving innovation and change within the maritime sector. The ultimate aim is to reduce emissions and establish the UK as a front-runner in clean maritime technology.

The CMDC Round 4 – A Catalyst for Change
The CMDC Round 4 competition is designed to fund and support projects focused on real-world demonstrations, pre-deployment trials, and feasibility studies for clean maritime technologies that combat greenhouse gas emissions. This competition is divided into three distinct strands, each targeting different aspects of innovation:

• Strand 1: Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 – Vessel or Infrastructure demonstrations.
• Strand 2: Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 – Vessel and Infrastructure combined demonstrations.
• Strand 3: Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 – Feasibility studies and pre-deployment trials.

Strand 1: Real-world Demonstrations of Clean Maritime Technologies
Strand 1 focuses on funding real-world demonstrations of clean maritime technologies in operational settings. This includes innovations in vessel technology, shoreside improvements, and offshore infrastructure developments, such as those seen in ports, harbours, and wind farms.

Strand 2: Real world demonstration of Clean Maritime Technologies in an Operational Setting
Strand 2 focuses on funding of real world clean maritime technologies in an operational setting and your our proposal must, develop, test and deploy novel on-vessel technologies and shoreside or offshore infrastructure, including at ports, harbours and wind farms.

Strand 3: Feasibility Studies and Pre-deployment Testing of Clean Maritime Technologies
Strand 3 focuses on funding of feasibility studies and pre deployment testing of clean maritime technologies. This includes technical an economic feasibility studies associated with real world demonstration of on vessel technologies, infrastructure technologies or both.  As well as pre -deployment trial proposals, to tests clean maritime technologies.

Opportunities for Innovation and Investment
Entrepreneurs, engineers, and visionaries have the opportunity to design, develop, test, and deploy ground-breaking clean maritime technologies. Projects could encompass advancements in propulsion systems, fuel-efficient designs, or innovative zero-emission infrastructure solutions. Feasibility studies are also welcomed to ensure that these innovations are both environmentally sound and economically viable.

Funding and Application Details
Projects eligible for CMDC Round 4 funding must fall within a budget range of £500,000 to £8 million depending on the strand whihc you are applying for. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals aligned with the appropriate strand that best fits their project’s scope and must be submitted by the deadline of 11am on September 27, 2023.

Charting the Future of Maritime Innovation
The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 represents a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change and pursuing a sustainable future for the maritime industry. By investing in pioneering technologies and encouraging innovation, the UK aims to lead the charge in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping on a global scale.

This partnership between Innovate UK, The Department for Transport, and the UK SHORE initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to spearheading clean maritime technology. As the CMDC Round 4 deadline approaches on September 27, 2023, the world eagerly anticipates the emerging transformative projects. These projects are set to reshape the maritime sector, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for our planet.