UK announces smart shipping fund

News Story
- 2 May 2024 ( #1177 ) - Southampton, United Kingdom
1 min read
The new fund will finance cutting-edge port technology
The new fund will finance cutting-edge port technology

The United Kingdom has announced a smart shipping fund to develop maritime technology such as self-driving ships and automated port operations.

Maritime Minister Lord Henry Davies says the GBP8 million (USD10 million) Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund will finance feasibility studies for innovative technology demonstrations of scalable smart shipping technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. 

Successful ports will be able to use artificial intelligence to detect safety hazards, optimise port activities and reduce their environmental footprint.

The winning projects, which can cost between GBP75,000 and GBP750,000 (USD93,920 and USD939,200), will require matched funding from the private sector.

“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,” Lord Davies says.

“AI has the potential to revolutionise the sector, create jobs and support the economy.”

Applications for the fund close on 26 June and proposals must include a technical and economic feasibility study associated with the development and demonstration of on-vessel technologies, infrastructure technologies or both.

Meanwhile, in the United States the Federal Highway Administration announced USD148 million in grants to 11 states and Puerto Rico under a new program to improve air quality and reduce pollution for truck drivers, port workers and families that live in communities surrounding ports.

Ports in California, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and New Jersey received funding in the first round of the program.

ERA releases carbon emission reporting guidance
ERA releases carbon emission reporting guidance 18 Jul 2024 - Brussels, Belgium - 1 min read
Plug completes 13th European HRS
Plug completes 13th European HRS 18 Jul 2024 - Slingerlands, NY, United States - 1 min read
Hyster-Yale's Ben Newey talks industry trends
Hyster-Yale's Ben Newey talks industry trends 18 Jul 2024 - Singapore - 4 min read
Previously about:
Increase in NI contributions leads to automation enquiries, Toyota News Story - 13 Feb 2025 - Slough, United Kingdom - 1 min read
ICS welcomes Operation Prosperity Guardian News Story - 21 Dec 2023 - London, United Kingdom - 1 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here
Inside The News
While innovation and new technology are evolving at what seems to be an ever-increasing pace, the need to capture the data (telemetry) from this tech, and the ability to utilise it (telematics) for efficiency and cost savings, is one area attracting more and more attention ... Continue reading

PREMIUM business

F. Uchiyama
Global exporter of used forklift and construction machinery, servicing over 80 countries.

Even the heaviest lifts must be easy to handle. That’s why N.C. Nielsen raises the bar in lifting capacity, maneuverability, operator comfort, flexibility and technical capabilities.
Heavy duty reach stackers – lifting capacity from 85 to 180 tons.
VIEW ALL OUR CUSTOM-BUILT HEAVY DUTY REACH STACKERS

Contact us now: +45 99 83 83 83 - www.nc-nielsen.com

Words of support …

After advertising with Forkliftaction.com, we got many enquiries regarding interest to be our distributor. Mostly from Europe and USA but including a few in ASEAN. We feel that the advertisement was useful and good for market expansion.

Lawrence Xu, Assistant Sales Manager

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Even the heaviest lifts must be easy to handle. That’s why N.C. Nielsen raises the bar in lifting capacity, maneuverability, operator comfort, flexibility and technical capabilities.
Heavy duty reach stackers – lifting capacity from 85 to 180 tons.
VIEW ALL OUR CUSTOM-BUILT HEAVY DUTY REACH STACKERS

Contact us now: +45 99 83 83 83 - www.nc-nielsen.com

PREMIUM business

Flexi® By Narrow Aisle Limited
Leading manufacturers of very narrow aisle (VNA) equipment.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

We’re excited to launch a major upgrade to the Forkliftaction forums, packed with new features and improvements. Here’s what’s new:

  • You can now add up to two photos to your posts
  • New search & navigation - find what you need easier
  • Smart brand/model tagging across all forums
  • Top contributors recognised for their efforts!

 Head over to the forums to check it out!