Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 6: Smart Shipping

The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) Round 6, organized by Innovate UK in collaboration with the Department for Transport, is a significant initiative under the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) program. This competition aims to position the UK as a global leader in the design and manufacturing of clean maritime technology by funding innovative projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector.

Competition Overview

CMDC Round 6 is structured into multiple strands, each targeting specific areas of maritime decarbonization. This article focuses on Strand 3: Smart Shipping, which emphasizes the integration of digital technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions in maritime operations.

Strand 3: Smart Shipping

Objective

The primary goal of Strand 3 is to fund detailed feasibility studies and pre-deployment projects that leverage digital technologies to:

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Improve air quality within the maritime transport sector.

Projects should focus on the development and implementation of Smart Shipping solutions, which may include:

Autonomous and unmanned vessel technologies: Systems that enable vessels to operate with minimal human intervention, thereby optimizing routes and reducing fuel consumption.

Digital twins and simulation models: Virtual replicas of physical vessels or systems used to predict performance, optimize operations, and plan maintenance, leading to improved efficiency and reduced emissions.

Advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence: Utilizing AI and big data to monitor vessel performance, predict maintenance needs, and optimize fuel usage.

Smart port operations: Implementing digital solutions to streamline port activities, reduce vessel idle times, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

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Key Requirements

To be eligible for funding under Strand 3, projects must:

Demonstrate Technological Innovation
- Introduce novel digital solutions or significantly advance existing technologies within the maritime sector.
Focus on Emission Reduction
- Clearly outline how the proposed technology will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
Conduct Feasibility Studies or Pre-Deployment Trials
- Depending on the project's maturity, undertake comprehensive feasibility studies or execute pre-deployment trials to validate the technology in real-world scenarios.
Engage Relevant Stakeholders
- Collaborate with key industry players, such as shipping companies, port authorities, technology providers, and research institutions, to ensure practical applicability and facilitate adoption.
Develop a Clear Commercialization Strategy
- Present a viable plan for bringing the technology to market, including considerations of scalability, regulatory compliance, and potential barriers to adoption.

Expected Outcomes

Successful projects should deliver:

Comprehensive Feasibility Reports or Trial Results
- Detailed analyses of technical performance, economic viability, and environmental impact.
Validated Smart Shipping Solutions
- Proven digital technologies ready for broader deployment within the maritime industry.
Scalable Implementation Plans
- Strategies for widespread adoption, including timelines, resource requirements, and partnership frameworks.

Funding Details and Eligibility

Total Funding Available: Up to £30 million across all strands of CMDC Round 6.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to UK-registered organizations, including businesses of all sizes, research institutions, and collaborative partnerships.
- Projects must be led by a UK-based organization.
- Proposals should include a clear plan for conducting the feasibility study or pre-deployment trial and outline potential pathways to implementation.

Application Process and Deadlines

Competition Opens: 24th January 2025
Application Deadline: 16th April 2025

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Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 6: Smart Shipping

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