Deadline: 16-Sep-2026
The Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure Grant Programme supports large-scale UK maritime projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through alternative fuel vessels, battery-electric technology, shore power, and port energy infrastructure. Grants of up to £30 million per project aim to accelerate decarbonisation, ensure commercial viability, and strengthen the UK’s leadership in clean maritime innovation.
Programme Overview
Innovate UK is funding projects that accelerate clean maritime innovation by supporting:
- Alternative fuel vessels (hydrogen, ammonia, biofuels)
- Battery-electric vessels and vessel charging infrastructure
- Shore power and port energy infrastructure
- Alternative fuel bunkering and storage within ports
- Vessel energy efficiency technologies
The programme’s goal is to reduce well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions and promote commercially viable, scalable maritime technologies.
Funding Details
- Total competition funding: £150 million
- Eligible project costs: £6 million – £60 million per project
- Maximum grant request: £30 million per project
- Maximum funding per participant: £20 million
- Funding rates:
- Industrial research: up to 70% for small organisations
- Experimental development: up to 45%
- Capital costs (vessels, infrastructure): up to 80% until 31 Dec 2029
Eligibility Criteria
- Project lead: UK-registered business
- Collaboration: Optional, but if collaborative, must include at least one other UK-based organisation
- Project partners: May include ship owners, manufacturers, operators, or port/harbour authorities
- Exploitation: All participants must intend to exploit project outcomes within or from the UK
- Timeline:
- Project start: by 1 April 2027
- Project completion: by 31 December 2029
Project Requirements
Eligible projects must:
- Significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions (well-to-wake)
- Involve end users, such as vessel operators and port authorities
- Ensure safe and compliant operations
- Include a clear commercial deployment plan
- Present a strategy for scaling technology post-demonstration
- Commit to knowledge sharing and reporting
Who Should Apply?
- UK-registered businesses developing clean maritime technology
- Ship owners, manufacturers, operators, or port authorities partnering in the project
- Organisations seeking to demonstrate, scale, and commercialise low-emission maritime solutions
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility of your organisation and project
- Prepare a project proposal including:
- Innovation description and objectives
- Expected GHG reductions and environmental impact
- Technical feasibility and operational plan
- Commercial viability and scale-up strategy
- Project timeline and budget
- Submit application via the Innovate UK portal before deadlines
Expected Outcomes
- Accelerated adoption of zero emission maritime technologies
- Enhanced UK leadership in clean maritime innovation
- Commercially viable, scalable solutions for ports and vessel operators
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions across maritime transport
Tips for Applicants
- Demonstrate measurable emissions reductions and clear methodology
- Include end-user engagement and safety compliance
- Show a commercialisation plan with scalability
- Ensure collaborative arrangements are well-defined, if applicable
FAQ
Q1: What is the maximum grant for a single project?
A1: £30 million per project, with no more than £20 million per participant.
Q2: What types of projects are eligible?
A2: Projects focusing on alternative fuel vessels, battery-electric vessels, shore power, port energy infrastructure, bunkering, and vessel energy efficiency.
Q3: Who can lead a project?
A3: UK-registered businesses, either independently or in collaboration with other UK-based maritime organisations.
Q4: When must projects start and finish?
A4: Start by 1 April 2027 and complete all funded activities by 31 December 2029.
Q5: Are collaborative projects allowed?
A5: Yes, projects can be collaborative, but must include at least one additional UK-based organisation.
Q6: Can capital costs be funded?
A6: Yes, up to 80% of capital costs (vessels, infrastructure) until 31 Dec 2029.
Q7: Is commercial viability required?
A7: Yes, projects must demonstrate a clear plan for market deployment and scaling.
Conclusion
The Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure Grant Programme provides significant funding to UK businesses and partners to accelerate clean maritime innovation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure scalable, commercially viable solutions that strengthen the UK’s leadership in sustainable maritime technology.
For more information, visit Gov.UK.