Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 6: Winners

The UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) Round 6 has awarded funding to 71 projects focused on decarbonising the maritime sector. With over £30 million distributed, projects span vessel trials, feasibility studies, and digital shipping solutions.

This article breaks down the winners of each strand, highlighting the technologies supported and regions leading innovation.

Strand 1 – Pre-Deployment Trials

Number of projects: 15
Purpose: To test clean maritime technologies in real-world conditions

Technology focus:
Strand 1 projects include hydrogen and ammonia propulsion, electric and hybrid vessels, carbon capture systems, and wind-assisted technologies. Several projects retrofit zero-emission propulsion systems into operational vessels or trial new renewable fuel processes, such as methanol or synthetic biofuels.

Notable tech themes:

• Onboard hydrogen fuel systems

• Biomethanol generation from waste

• Carbon capture units for ferries

• Rotor sail and DynaRig prototypes

Regional leaders:

• London – 4 projects

• South East England – 3 projects

• Scotland – 3 projects

• North East England – 2 projects

This strand emphasises trial-ready innovations, giving the maritime sector tools to test emissions-reducing solutions in live port or offshore settings.

Strand 2 – Feasibility Studies

Number of projects: 30
Purpose: To explore the viability of clean maritime technologies before deployment

Technology focus:
Strand 2 funded a broad range of early-stage studies, assessing options like shore power infrastructure, alternative fuels (hydrogen, methanol, ammonia), hybrid propulsion systems, and skills development for zero-emission operations. Several projects address the integration of green energy into ports and coastal operations.

Notable tech themes:

• Shore-side charging systems

• Hydrogen and methanol supply chains

• Electrification strategies for offshore workboats

• Workforce training for green fuels and systems

Regional leaders:

• South East England – 10 projects

• South West England – 6 projects

• Scotland – 4 projects

• North East England – 3 projects

This strand strengthens the UK’s innovation pipeline by evaluating the readiness and commercial potential of decarbonisation pathways.

Strand 3 – Smart Shipping

Number of projects: 26
Purpose: To deploy digital and automated tools that reduce maritime emissions

Technology focus:
Smart Shipping projects are built around AI route optimisation, digital emissions monitoring, autonomous vessel control, and smart port energy systems. Several solutions use machine learning to analyse vessel performance, reduce fuel consumption, and schedule port operations more efficiently.

Notable tech themes:

• AI-driven routing and scheduling

• Onboard sensor platforms

• Digital twins and emissions dashboards

• Autonomous navigation pilots

Regional leaders:

• London – 8 projects

• South East England – 7 projects

• South West England – 4 projects

• North West England – 3 projects

This strand reflects the growing role of digitalisation in clean shipping, integrating software with onboard and port-based hardware.