UK Maritime Minister Lord Davies of Gower has announced an £8m ($9.85m) funding boost to kickstart feasibility studies for smart shipping technologies such as AI, robotics, and autonomous vessels.
The Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund, launched today in Southampton could result in innovations which will boost the economy and support coastal communities.
The winning projects for these funds will also require match funding, leveraging further investment from the private sector. Successful ports will be able to use AI to detect safety hazards, optimise port activities, and reduce their environmental footprint.
“Using AI and cutting-edge technology to make boats smarter and transform port operations is part of our plan to decarbonise shipping, enhance safety for our seafarers and help grow the economy. AI has the potential to revolutionise the sector, create jobs, and support the economy,” Lord Davies said.
Funding from the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund comes from the wider £206m UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, announced in March 2022.
The UK has already invested north of £3.5bn in AI over the last 10 years and is doubling the ‘Incubator for AI’ team to further drive AI integration across the public sector.
“This new fund will allow the fostering of innovation and embracing of cutting-edge technologies, so we can ensure the UK maintains its position as one of the global centres for green maritime technology,” added Chris Shirling-Rooke, chief executive at Maritime UK.
