Developing Regulatory Frameworks to Support Maritime Innovation

Driving the next generation towards zero carbon

The Centre for Future Clean Mobility partners with businesses to develop low-emissions, high-efficiency integrated power systems for applications in the aerospace, automotive, marine, and rail sectors.

Project overview

CFCM is working on decarbonisation in the maritime sector, especially in the workboat sector. CFCM is working with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Stehr Consultants to develop new regulations for alternative fuels, initially for workboats, with expansion into other vessels classes. CFCM is experienced in clean powertrain optimisation, design, build and test, for commercial sectors including workboat and ferries. We help companies to get the big decisions right first time, to get the most out of clean fuels, and to get from prototype to product. We also have experience with using AI into control systems & operational planning.

Project Outputs:

Development of Regulations – The project aims to draft amendments to maritime guidance notes, to be adopted by the MCA. This will set out a stepped approach to innovation risk and regulatory approval, for vessel owners to move towards full approval. The amendments will support innovation, test, and demonstration of clean alternative propulsion systems. This will initially benefit the workboat sector, and other vessel types as the MCA apply it more widely.
Demand Mapping – A data collection study on current and future demand for clean alternative fuels will be conducted, with the help of Tope Ocean, in support of the work on regulatory changes. This study will gather information on which fuels maritime stakeholders are using now, plan to use in 5 and 10 years. This will provide badly needed information on likely fuel types, quantities, locations, and timing across all UK maritime sectors. This information is very useful in informing the drawing up of policy, strategy, regulation, and funding priorities.
Regulation Testing – The new amendments will go through a test phase, including MCA and Stehr Consultants, with a hydrogen fuel cell and baery hybrid drive workboat as a test case. Maritime stakeholders will be asked to input into development of the regulations and evaluation of the test phase.
Stakeholder Engagement – We have assembled an experienced steering group to guide the project, along with a broader user group to incorporate feedback from stakeholders in the maritime sector.