The University of Liverpool is partnering with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) on the Maritime and Last Mile Net-Zero project, a £2.5 million (USD$3.2 million) effort to fast-track research and innovation to support a more sustainable maritime sector. In addition, the two universities recently launched the UK’s first doctoral training scheme for decarbonizing the maritime industry to train high-level leader-researchers in the field.
Globally, maritime operates an aging fleet that runs almost exclusively on fossil fuels, and greenhouse gas emissions have risen 20% over the last decade. The university said this net-zero maritime project will bring greater cohesion and connect researchers, civic bodies and businesses to drive innovation across the maturing Liverpool City Region (LCR) maritime cluster that covers areas including commercial shipping, transport, fuels and vessel designs.
The partners will work to apply emerging solutions, such as alternative fuels, ship retrofitting and digitization as the maritime sector works towards net-zero. The university said the industry also 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.
Professor Zaili Yang, project lead at Liverpool John Moores University, said, “Maritime is increasingly recognized as a sector which is vital to the regional and national economy and where 21st 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 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.
