Plans progress for a zero-emissions shipping corridor between the ports of Dover, Calais and Dunkirk thanks to research project funding boost.
The UK’s busiest international ferry port is set to spearhead the maritime sector’s drive to net zero with ambitious plans for a green shipping corridor with Europe.
Green corridors are specific zero-emission maritime routes where both vessels and land-side infrastructure have been decarbonised.
This includes using zero-emission vessels and alternative fuels, as well as providing recharging and refuelling infrastructure.
The Port of Dover
Each year, the Port of Dover handles trade worth a staggering £144 billion and a third of all UK trade with the EU.
A busy day sees up to 110 miles of freight via 130 ferry movements travel through the port.
Now, a £530,000 funding grant will bring the port’s ambitions to become the UK’s first high-volume green shipping corridor a step closer to reality.
The eight-month Green Corridor at Short Straits research project will look at how the Dover to Calais and Dunkirk routes can be decarbonised.
This will include an analysis of regulations and policies, together with an assessment of viable energy options for both marine and land-side vessels and vehicles.
The Port of Dover’s Chief Commercial Officer, Christian Pryce, said:
A high-volume green shipping corridor across the Short Straits will be a transformative win for the UK.
We are leading the charge, working together across the public and private sector with government, industry and academia.
Scale up of zero-emission vessels
The outcome from the study will be a detailed business case and route map that will be used as a catalyst to encourage a scale-up of zero-emission vessels and land-side infrastructure.
It will also be a tool to attract private sector investment and a blueprint for other ports to follow.
About the project
The Green Corridor at Short Straits project is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition round two (CMDC2).
CMDC2 is part of the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emission’s (UK SHORE), which was launched in May 2022.
CMDC is funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
As part of CMDC2, over £14 million was allocated to 31 projects supported by 121 organisations from across the UK. The funding was allocated to deliver feasibility studies and collaborative research and development projects in clean maritime solutions.
The Green Corridor at Short Straits project is being led by the Port of Dover, working with a wide range of partners including:
- University of Kent
- Warwick Manufacturing Group (part of The University of Warwick)
- SSE
- Schneider Electric
- Ikigai Capital
- JG Maritime Solutions
- ABB
- DFDS
- Irish Ferries
Watch the video the Port of Dover: CMDC2 competition winner.
The clean maritime video playlist is available on Innovate UK’s YouTube channel.
Last updated: 17 March 2023