16.06.26 LONDON, Connected Places Catapult has announced today that applications are open for the Clean Transport Accelerator: Maritime, which welcomes small to medium sized companies developing innovative maritime decarbonisation solutions.

Up to six businesses will be selected to receive tailored commercial support, with three of these progressing to conduct a four-month trial, fully funded up to £30,000 each. Trials will take place with one of four partners: the Port of Tyne, Portsmouth International Port, Serco and the National Shipbuilding Office. In addition, participants on the programme will benefit from access to insights and guidance from specialists at Maersk.

The Clean Transport Accelerator: Maritime is a six-month programme delivered by Connected Places Catapult and funded by Innovate UK. The programme focuses on cleaner operations and a transition to future fuels, and is designed for companies with innovative solutions at a Technology Readiness Level of between five (technology basic validation in a relevant environment) and eight (actual technology completed and qualified through test and demonstration).

The four challenges in the programme are:

• Optimisation of sea-going fleet operations
• Scope 3 emissions tracking and reporting
• Efficient use of excess clean energy
• Decarbonising shipyard manufacturing

The Clean Transport Accelerator: Maritime builds on the Catapult’s previous maritime accelerator programmes which have supported 29 SMEs and delivered 11 trials over four years.

“Innovative businesses have a crucial role to play in supporting the decarbonisation of maritime operations. Working closely with our industry partners, through the Clean Transport Accelerator: Maritime we will identify and support the commercialisation of the best new solutions from high-potential small to medium sized companies based in the UK.”

Connected Places Catapult’s Head of Maritime, Richard Holland

An application support webinar takes place on 30 June, and applications close on 28 July at 12pm. Shortlisted companies will be notified on 11 August and invited for interview; with the cohort selection announced on 20 August.