More than £1.1 billion of investment has been announced for the UK’s maritime sector, in a package ministers say will create jobs, drive innovation and cut carbon emissions from shipping.
The funding, revealed on the opening day of London International Shipping Week (LISW), brings together £448m of government money with £700m of private commitments for ports, clean energy projects and shipbuilding.
Government’s Net Zero Push
Almost half a billion pounds of public investment will go into the UK SHORE programme, which funds clean maritime technology such as electric vessels, hydrogen and ammonia fuels, methanol and wind-assisted ships.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the funding would support both coastal jobs and the UK’s climate goals.
“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,” she said.
UK SHORE has already backed more than 200 projects, supporting around 750 jobs. Officials say the new money will build on that momentum, with funding allocated to new projects in the coming months.
£700m in Private Investment
Industry leaders also used LISW to announce their own spending plans:
- Peel Ports Group pledged £300m for upgrades at Liverpool, Hunterston and Great Yarmouth.
- NatPower Marine committed £250m to install shore power systems, allowing ships to plug into the grid rather than burn fuel while docked. The company says the project will support more than 2,000 jobs.
- The Port of Tyne unveiled a £150m expansion, which it says could create up to 12,000 jobs linked to offshore wind and advanced manufacturing.
Claudio Veritiero, Peel Ports’ chief executive, said the group had already spent £1.5bn over the past decade. “Looking ahead, we plan to invest a further £1bn over the next five years. These developments underline our commitment to building capacity and efficiency while supporting growth in the wider economy.”
Early Success Stories
Ministers pointed to previous projects as proof of what public support can unlock.
At Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, a £3.6m government grant helped fund a new zero-emission shore power system, matched by £3.6m of private investment. Once fully operational, the system is expected to save the equivalent fuel of 20,000 cars each year.
Other examples include:
Aqua Superpower, which installed electric charging points for vessels on the south coast of England. The company now operates 59 sites across Europe and the US.
Smart Green Shipping, whose Scottish-built wingsails can cut fuel consumption on retrofitted ships by up to 40%.
Since its launch, UK SHORE has drawn in more than £110m of private funding and supported more than 500 British companies, including 250 small and medium-sized firms.
Focus on Jobs and Skills
The government says the wider package will help regenerate coastal towns by creating skilled roles in shipbuilding, engineering and green technology.
New maritime minister Keir Mather visited the Cammell Laird site to see how government money had already encouraged private investment. He said the aim was to “break down barriers to opportunity” and ensure local workers benefited from the shift to cleaner shipping.
Industry groups say developing skills will be critical. Companies are expected to work with colleges and universities to train the workforce needed to deliver the next generation of ships and port facilities.
Cruise Sector Plan
The government also used LISW to launch a UK Cruise Growth Plan. Ministers said the sector, which contributes £5.8bn a year to the economy and supports around 60,000 jobs, would play a central role in supporting port towns. The plan aims to attract more private investment and keep Britain competitive as a cruise destination.
Cutting Red Tape
Alongside the funding, ministers confirmed a revised national policy statement for ports in England and Milford Haven in Wales. The update is designed to speed up planning applications for port expansions, cutting delays and costs.
Officials say the change will give developers greater clarity about what is required and help ensure the UK remains attractive for international shipping.
Global Stage at LISW
London International Shipping Week, which runs from 15–19 September 2025, is expected to bring together thousands of investors, shipowners and government officials.
The week opened with Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood ringing the bell at the London Stock Exchange. Ministers, including the Transport Secretary and Maritime Minister, will attend a series of events to promote the UK as a hub for clean energy and maritime innovation.
Looking Ahead
The £1.1bn package highlights the scale of ambition to cut emissions from shipping while boosting jobs in coastal areas.
Supporters say the combination of government funding and private investment can put Britain at the forefront of clean maritime technology. The challenge now will be turning pilot projects into large-scale solutions that deliver lasting change for industry and communities.
