A discussion between Maritime UK, the Society for Maritime Industries and Knowledge Transfer Network on how to accelerate the development of commercially viable clean propulsion solutions for marine vessels with engines operating between 500-7,500 horsepower took place at an event funded by the Department for Transport.
Over 40 leaders from across the industry attended the event in London, including buyers of marine propulsion units, engine manufacturers, researchers and government officials to explore possible solutions. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Courts MP, provided a video address to the delegates.
Manufacturers of engines for certain classes of marine leisure vessels, fishing boats and workboats say that it will be difficult to provide alternatives to fossil fuel power for their existing diesel-powered products within the timescales that the market and legislation demand. Marine engines represent a comparatively small market for the engine manufacturers who are currently focussed on shifting production to non-fossil fuels for their core mass markets and products.
Several developments were highlighted that could help the sector make progress, but there was also acknowledgement that it will be harder to convert marine vessels to non-fossil fuel alternatives than it has been for the automotive sector. This horsepower group includes a huge range of vessels operating in diverse environments, which will make finding technically and commercially viable solutions challenging. Some of the issues faced by the marine leisure and workboat sectors, the RNLI, and the fishing industry were highlighted, including commercial, procurement and technology barriers, difficulties specifying and financing the charging infrastructure in ports and harbours, and the level of buyer confidence in existing solutions.
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