Archived

What are the most relevant emerging technologies for maritime and shipping (e.g. autonomous vessels)? What are the risks and opportunities for the UK across economic, social and environmental dimensions?

Background

Government is committed to ‘levelling up’, so that every corner of the country can benefit and share in future prosperity. Transport connectivity is an essential input into the efficient functioning of markets, reducing the costs of doing business and supporting linkages between key sectors of the economy. More efficient and faster delivery of major projects are fundamental to job creation and so a key lever for economic growth and our recovery from Covid-19. We are therefore enhancing the national strategic transport network, shifting the focus of DfT investment towards major projects that link the towns, cities and left behind places outside of London and the South East.

Key areas of focus are:
• More productive cities and towns
• Support local growth and regeneration
• Support jobs and skills
• Improve networks between major economic centres, and with international gateways
• Strengthening the Union

Delivery of major programmes such as HS2, the Integrated Rail Plan, TransPennine Route Upgrade, the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail and the Roads Investment Strategy are fundamental to job creation and a key lever for economic growth and our recovery from Covid-19. Further commitments are outlined in the UK R&D Place Strategy which is being published this year as part of the UK R&D Roadmap. The research and evidence needs set out below are critical to supporting DfT deliver these major programmes and key areas of focus to grow and level up the economy.

Next steps

Get in touch with BridgetoResearch@dft.gov.uk

Source

This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:

Areas of research interest 2021

Related UKRI funded projects


  • Maritime autonomous shipping: A UK-Taiwan joint cooperation in integrating the regulatory framework

    International shipping is the life blood of the global economy as vessels carry more than 80% of world trade. The industry is regulated primarily by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) - a United Nations agency...

    Funded by: ESRC

    Lead research organisation: Liverpool John Moores University

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project focuses on the emerging technology of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and addresses the question by examining the relevant international regulations, identifying gaps, and proposing ways to remove regulatory barriers.

  • MOST (AV) Autonaut SMART Proof of Market

    MOST (AV) is an SME that has taken the concept of autonomous, self-propelled, surface vessels to production reality. AutoNaut provides unique, robust, cost effective, game-changing opportunities for a variety of markets ...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: AUTONAUT LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project explores the potential applications of autonomous, self-propelled surface vessels in collecting and analyzing marine and maritime data, which partially addresses the question about emerging technologies for maritime and shipping.

  • FrontM HOTG Integration to bring Edge AI for Collision Avoidance in Maritime

    We are on a mission to protect the global marine ecosystem and save lives from accidental collisions between vessels at sea. Our vision is of a safer, fairer, and more sustainable industry. To achieve this we need to ta...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: FRONTM LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project focuses on developing an AI-powered Collision Avoidance solution for maritime operators, which partially addresses the question about emerging technologies for maritime and shipping.

  • Industrial Research of ROC for swarm operations

    ACUA Ocean (AO) is a clean-maritime start-up that has designed (patent pending) a long-endurance liquid hydrogen-powered maritime autonomous surface ship (MASS), also referred to as an uncrewed surface vessel (USV). By c...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: ACUA OCEAN LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project focuses on the development of autonomous vessels in the maritime sector, addressing the use of hydrogen and autonomy technologies, as well as the potential for swarm operations, which are relevant to the question.

  • Edge-CONNECT: Integrated marine fleet management and telematics solution

    In the maritime industry today, optimizing vessel performance by reducing fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs is of paramount importance for both environmental and operational reasons. Until recently, R&D...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: REYGAR LIMITED

  • Future Fleet

    **'3rd Space Future Fleet' is a dynamic, immersive control surface for operators of autonomous maritime vessels and fleets.** Using the latest 3D reality capture and real time game engine production pipelines, **3rd Spa...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: 3RD SPACE LIMITED

  • Holistic Vessel Performance and Routing System

    The project will seek to harness a range of existing measurement technologies through efficient communications and to offer an improved vessel routing service with a focus on the refinement of the analytical methods used...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: FUGRO GEOS LIMITED

  • Project IConIC (Intelligent Condition monitoring with Integrated Communications)

    Project IConIC (Intelligent Condition monitoring with Integrated Communications) will develop a revolutionary system that provides accurate prediction for vessel performance and operation. It represents a step-change in ...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: STS DEFENCE LIMITED

  • Unlocking the potential of mini-MASS in UK waters

    Our groundbreaking initiative seeks to revolutionise the smaller Marine Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) ('mini-MASS') market, addressing a crucial obstacle hindering the widespread adoption of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (US...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: UNMANNED SURVEY SOLUTIONS LIMITED

  • Windfarm Autonomous Ships Project (WASP)

    "The UK economic opportunity in offshore wind energy is robust and growing. Further cost reduction is essential to achieve parity with fossil fuel and nuclear energy systems. The application of Robotics and Artifici...

    Funded by: ISCF

    Lead research organisation: AUTONOMOUS SERVICE VEHICLES LIMITED T/A L3HARRIS