On 22 April 2024, Maritime Minister Lord Davies is in Southampton to announce an £8 million funding boost to put the UK at the forefront of cutting-edge maritime technology. From self-driving boats to streamlined port operations, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovations will 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. The winning projects will also require match funding – leveraging further investment from the private sector.
Successful ports will be able to use AI to detect safety hazards, optimise port activities and reduce their environmental footprint – making UK waters safer, operations smoother and air cleaner.
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.”
The Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund is understood to be funded by the £206 million ($254 million) UK Shipping Reduction Office (UK SHORE) program announced in March 2022. The UK has invested around £3.5 billion ($4.32 billion) in AI over the last 10 years and is further expanding its ‘AI Incubator’ team to accelerate the integration of AI across the public sector.