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

The government has launched the £8m Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund which will support feasibility studies for cutting-edge technology; from self-driving boats to ports using automated systems, in order to boost the economy and support coastal communities.

This funding forms part of the government's plan to decarbonise shipping and help grow the economy.

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.

This funding comes from the wider?£206 million?UK?Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK?SHORE) programme, announced in March 2022.

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