The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that coastal communities are set to benefit from over £1.1 billion in joint government and industry investment for the maritime sector.
The funding includes £700m of private investment for major UK ports and leading industry players, as well as £448m of public investment to reduce emissions from UK shipping.
It has been provided to help unlock growth and jobs, including in the engineering, green technology and construction sectors.
Previous projects have included electric chargepoints at UK ports for vessels developed by Aqua Superpower and smart technology developed by Waterwhelm which can produce hydrogen from recycled wastewater to generate electricity.
UK Shore funding has already delivered £240m to over 200 projects across the country, some of which are now in active use and have supported 750 jobs so far.
UK transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Today’s £1.1bn boost for the maritime industry will supercharge growth and jobs in our coastal towns and cities – making the UK one of the best places in the world to invest.
“We’re committing almost half a billion to cut carbon emissions from shipping – steering us towards net zero by 2050 and cementing Britain’s place as a clean energy superpower through our Plan for Change.”
