Home News Features Compliance

🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes

UK government to provide £8 million for smart shipping projects


Organisations can apply for the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund to use AI for projects that make UK waters safer, operations smoother and air cleaner.

Maritime Minister Lord Davies was in Southampton on 22 April 2024 to announce the £8 million funding boost to drive maritime innovation and harness the benefits of AI to boost productivity. It is hoped the funding will support feasibility studies for cutting-edge technology.

From self-driving boats to streamlined port operations, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovations will potentially boost the economy and support coastal communities. The Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund will kickstart feasibility studies to develop smart shipping technologies such as AI, robotics, and autonomous vessels.

Maritime Minister, Lord Davies, said: “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.”

Logistics UK’s Deputy Director – Public Affairs, Ben Garrat said of the announcement: “The logistics sector is highly innovative, employing data and technology-led approaches to drive efficiency, customer service, safety and emissions reduction.

"Maritime decarbonisation is a major challenge for the sector to address, but funding the trial and implementation of possible solutions can be a barrier. This government-backed fund is an opportunity for maritime businesses to work with partners to develop new solutions for decarbonisation which, without this funding support, would struggle to achieve commercial viability.”

Published On: 02/05/2024 14:00:00

 

Comments Section

If you are a Logistics UK member login to add comments.

There are no comments yet.

News In Brief

Port of Tyne to ‘pioneer’ 5G smart port operations network

The Port of Tyne has been awarded a £1.159m contract with South Tyneside Council to develop its harbour-wide private 5G network. Through use of 5G platforms, the project will look to demonstrate how better digital connectivity can help to drive growth. It will involve 5G cameras and internet of things (IoT) sensors to inspect the port estate, boosting efficiency and reducing fuel usage.

The Port of Tyne delivers bespoke services for the green energy sector, supporting leading companies in the automotive transition, handling specialised bulk and containerised products, alongside delivery logistics and assisting growing passenger numbers via what it says is the regionally important international passenger terminal.

Overall, the port calculates that it adds £700 million to the north east economy, supporting 11,000 jobs directly and indirectly as one of the UK’s largest trust ports. It is said to be entirely self-financing and runs on a commercial basis, reinvesting all of its profits back into facilities along the River Tyne.

Latest articles

Ask the MAC

With Percy Thrower, Manager - Dangerous Goods Information, Logistics UK

Read time: 2 minutes

View article

Drink and drugs fact sheet

With the festive season in full swing, many employees will be focusing on the party spirits and joy that the season brings.

Read time: 2 minutes

View article

Legislation update

Consultations which opened in November 2024

Read time: 2 minutes

View article

E-news archive

You can also view our e-news archive here.

E-news archive

Interested in Membership?

Get in contact using the Membership Enquiry Form.

Membership Enquiry Form

Logistics Magazine Portal

The hub for finding relevant and informative features, news & compliance guides from Logistics Magazine

Logistics Magazine Portal Home

Sponsorship Opportunities

Learn more about advertising on the new digital Logistics Magazine, with a variety of advert options to reach 30,000 relevant readers.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Magazine Contents

News

Logistics Magazine will cover all the latest news on stories breaking in the industry, including developments on COVID-19,  Brexit, Clean Air Zones, transport law and decarbonisation.

News

Features

Our frequent features will tackle the broader issues affecting logistics such as the COVID-19 vaccination programme, technology and innovation, the political and economic landscape, global trade and the drive to reduce emissions across all transport modes.

Features

Compliance

Each month we explore a different topic in depth in our popular Compliance section, while each week we will publish answers put to our Member Advice Centre team.

Compliance

View Supplements and Previous Printed Editions

View Supplements and previous printed editions of Logistics Magazine here.

Previous