The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is contributing technical expertise to the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), a government-backed initiative aimed at reducing emissions in the maritime sector.
The CMDC, now in its sixth round, is delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Transport’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE). UK-registered organisations can apply for a share of £30 million in funding until Wednesday 16 April to support the development of clean maritime technologies and workforce skills.
The programme offers financial backing for projects focused on alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, vessel electrification, energy efficiency, and feasibility studies into concepts like green shipping corridors. Many of these initiatives are expected to take place in cohesion regions with below-average EU income levels.
The MCA’s role involves advising on technical and regulatory matters, including certification, inspection, and compliance. This support ensures that new technologies meet safety standards and align with existing maritime regulations.
A recent example includes the integration and sea trials of a 20-metre autonomous wing sail developed by a consortium led by Smart Green Shipping. The sail, retrofitted onto the UK-flagged Pacific Grebe, is designed to reduce energy demand and emissions. The MCA participated in the vessel’s audit and inspection, in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register, to enable sea trials in Southampton.
The agency’s involvement is considered particularly relevant in projects where new technologies are adapted to existing vessels, a process requiring regulatory oversight.
Decarbonising the shipping sector remains a key goal for both the UK and international maritime communities. The CMDC aims to support this transition by funding innovation that contributes to lower emissions and increased energy efficiency across the industry.
