Investment in clean shipping
The government has announced more than £1.1 billion of combined public and private investment to support growth, skills and clean energy in the UK’s coastal towns and cities.
The funding, unveiled at London International Shipping Week, includes £448 million of public spending to cut carbon emissions from shipping and £700 million of private sector investment in ports and maritime projects.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the boost would “supercharge growth and jobs in our coastal towns and cities – making the UK one of the best places in the world to invest.”
Cutting emissions, creating jobs
The government’s UK SHORE programme will receive the public investment, supporting new technologies including hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, wind power and electric charging. Previous rounds of funding have backed projects such as zero-emission shore power at Birkenhead and charging networks developed by Aqua Superpower.
Private investment includes £300 million from Peel Ports, £250 million from NatPower Marine for shore power, and £150 million from the Port of Tyne’s expansion, expected to unlock up to 12,000 jobs in offshore wind and manufacturing.
Coastal communities benefit
Officials said the investment will not only reduce emissions but also deliver thousands of skilled jobs in engineering, green technology and construction. Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood launched the week by ringing the bell at the London Stock Exchange, while ministers will use the event to showcase the UK as a global hub for shipping innovation.
Alexander added that the funding would “steer us towards net zero by 2050 and cement Britain’s place as a clean energy superpower through our Plan for Change.”
