£2.5M ‘cluster’ towards a more sustainable Maritime Industry

The University of Liverpool is partnering with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) on the Maritime and Last Mile Net Zero project which aims to fast-track research and innovation to support a more sustainable maritime sector.

The University, LJMU and industry will work more closely with local government to apply emerging solutions, such as alternative fuels, ship retrofitting and digitisation as the maritime sector works towards net zero.

In addition, the two universities recently launched the UK's first doctoral training scheme for decarbonising the maritime industry to train high-level leader-researchers in the field.

Professor Andy Plater, from the University of Liverpool's Department of Geography and Planning, said: "This success is a further development of our collaboration with LJMU in the maritime sector, working alongside key partners such as LCR Combined Authority, Mersey Maritime, and Maritime Research and Innovation UK.

"The University of Liverpool is bringing its strong Impact Accelerator Account (IAA) track record and research portfolio to accelerate impact in maritime and last mile decarbonization and digitalization by providing funding for pump-priming projects across academia and industry."

Professor Zaili Yang, project lead at Liverpool John Moores University, said: "Maritime is increasingly recognised as a sector which is vital to the regional and national economy and where 21^st century solutions are needed. Together, we aim to drive innovation to produce a cleaner, more effective industry to drive innovation, growth and job creation."

The £2.5 million Maritime and Last Mile Net Zero project is one of seven new projects supported through £22 million of funding by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) through the Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) scheme.

The project will run for two years and brings together Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Sefton Council, Wirral Council, Knowsley Council, LCR Freeport and the University of Liverpool, LJMU and Queen's University Belfast.

Globally, maritime operates an ageing fleet that runs almost exclusively on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions have risen 20% over the last decade.

Beyond cleaner fuels, the industry needs to move faster towards shore power, onboard carbon capture, hydrogen and digital solutions like AI and to improve efficiency as well as sustainability.

The University and LJMU are already working with Bibby Marine to design electric ships to service offshore platforms and there are plans for a 'green shipping corridor' between Liverpool and Belfast.

The Liverpool City Region is home to a rapidly growing port and maritime economy that handles 45% of UK trade from North America and is estimated to contribute £800m in gross value added to the economy. It hosts one of the UK's largest maritime clusters, encompassing shipping and ports; renewable energy generation; and international freight logistics.

The project will bring greater cohesion and join-up researchers, civic bodies and businesses to drive innovation across the maturing LCR maritime cluster that covers areas including commercial shipping, transport, fuels and vessel designs.

*IMO has a target of 2050 to achieve net zero emissions in shipping and is also developing regulations aiming to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of ship fuel and implement the first global, mandatory charge on GHG emissions by 2027.

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