£150 million funding announced to support zero emission vessels and cleaner ports

A major new funding opportunity has opened that could help reshape the future of the UK’s maritime sector and it’s particularly relevant for coastal cities like Plymouth.

Innovate UK, working with the Department for Transport, has launched Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure Two (ZEVI 2): Alternative Fuels, a £150 million programme designed to speed up the move away from fossil fuels in maritime transport.

The funding will support real‑world projects that build and operate cleaner vessels and the port infrastructure needed to power them, helping the UK maritime sector cut emissions while creating new jobs and skills.

What is ZEVI 2: Alternative Fuels?

This funding focuses on vessels powered by low‑ and zero‑carbon fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia and methanol, along with the supporting infrastructure needed in ports, including refuelling, storage and bunkering facilities.

Unlike early‑stage research grants, this programme is about putting solutions into action. Successful projects will be expected to build, deploy and operate their technologies over a three‑year period, proving they work safely, reliably and at commercial scale.

Key points at a glance

• Total funding available: Up to £150 million across the wider ZEVI 2 programme
• This strand focuses on: Alternative fuel vessels and port infrastructure
• Who can apply: UK‑registered organisations working in collaboration
• Project size: Total eligible costs between £6 million and £60 million. Maximum grant request of up to £30 million (depending on project and organisation type)
• Competition opens: 26 June 2026
• Competition closes: 16 September 2026 at 11.00am

Projects must bring together partners such as vessel owners or operators, ports, fuel or infrastructure providers, and supply‑chain innovators.

Collaboration is key

One important thing to note is that applications must be collaborative. No single organisation can apply on its own.

This means there is a real opportunity for Plymouth‑based businesses, organisations, researchers and innovators to come together, build partnerships and develop joint proposals that reflect local strengths and needs.

If your organisation works in or around maritime activity, whether directly at sea or as part of the wider supply chain, this funding could be a chance to turn ideas into working solutions.

Why this matters for Plymouth

Plymouth has a strong maritime heritage and a growing cluster of organisations working in marine engineering, clean technology, advanced manufacturing and port operations.

As a coastal city with marine businesses, Plymouth is well placed to benefit from investment that supports cleaner vessels and greener port infrastructure. Funding like this can help local organisations:

• Test new ideas in real operating conditions
• Reduce emissions from marine activity
• Strengthen supply chains and partnerships
• Support skilled jobs and future growth in the city

The programme also aligns closely with the UK Government’s Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy and the UK SHORE programme, both of which aim to support innovation while keeping the UK at the forefront of cleaner maritime technology.

Find out more

Full details of the competition, including eligibility rules and how to apply, are available on the Innovate UK funding service and the UK Research and Innovation website.

If you’re exploring this opportunity and would like to share your plans, partnerships or learning with others in the city, we’d love to hear from you.