Green maritime tech of the future to become reality thanks to £60m boost

THE UK's race to decarbonise the maritime sector has been given another vital boost, with £60 million in Government funding distributed to innovative companies nationwide developing futuristic green technology. For the 1st time, the UK Government is funding the development of new clean maritime technology across a 2 year period. Companies in 12 Regions around the UK will benefit from the cash, generating highly skilled jobs across the nation and positioning the UK as a world leader in green solutions. The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, visited Artemis Technologies in Belfast, on:- Tuesday, 14 February 2023, to see some of the tech in action. Using technologies adapted from the worlds of:- high performance yacht racing, motorsports and aerospace, the company is developing vessels that effectively 'fly' above the water surface. The vessels produce zero emissions when foiling and offer energy savings of up to 90% resulting in significantly lower operating and maintenance costs. Artemis Technologies will now use the funding to help take their invention to the seas on a commercial scale.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:- "Our maritime sector imports 95% of goods into the UK and contributes £116 billion to our economy; more than both aviation and rail combined. With growing the economy 1 of the Government's top priorities, we must continue our efforts to ensure the UK remains a pioneer in cutting edge clean maritime solutions. The funding we're awarding today will help to do just that, bringing emission free concepts to life and fuelling innovation."

The funding comes from the 3rd round of the Government's Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC3), which focuses on developing a range of clean maritime technologies including hydrogen, ammonia, electric and wind power. During the 2 year investment period, successful companies will be required to demonstrate that their projects will work in the real world, helping them to progress towards becoming an everyday reality.

CEO at Artemis Technologies, Dr Iain Percy OBE, said:- "The clean maritime demonstration competition is key to unlocking those innovations across the Region that will transport the UK towards a more sustainable future and we are thrilled that it has once again recognised the integral role Artemis Technologies can play. With this latest round of funding, we are emboldened to advance our green technology projects, develop world-leading clean vessels for our seas, and continue on our mission to lead the decarbonisation of maritime."

Other winners include a project led by Collins River Enterprises Limited to build and test a brand new fully electric ferry on the River Thames between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe, building on research funded through the 1st round of the CMDC. Another project led by AceOn Battery Solar Technology Ltd will develop hydrogen powered vessels to transfer crew to wind farms off the northeast coast of England from the Port of Blyth. WingTek are also receiving CMDC3 funding to develop and demonstrate 2 full sized prototypes of wind assisted ships with high tech sails, which will reduce the amount of fuel used by the vessels as well as the emissions they produce.

CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping Sarah Treseder said:- "Congratulations to all the successful bids, which cover a wide range of technologies and aspects of shipping. The UK Chamber of Shipping is committed to net zero by 2050. This funding is an important milestone in ensuring we continue to work together to achieve this important target and will help us complete the journey from theory to reality for zero emission shipping."

Today's funding comes from the wider £206 million UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) scheme, announced in March 2022. The CMDC is 1 of the many initiatives from UK ShoreE to fund green technology. Last week the Government launched the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure competition to support projects in the latter stages of development, and the Clean Maritime Research Hub; aimed at the early science and research behind green technology.
 

More than 19,000 victims offered support as Victim Care Merseyside hub marks 3 month anniversary

MORE than 19,000 victims of crime have been offered specialist advice and support from the Victim Care Merseyside hub since it was launched by the Region's Police Commissioner, on Friday, 17 February 2023. Of those, more than 2,650 have taken up the offer of support and have already benefitted from a detailed assessment of their needs and a care plan being put in place by the dedicated hub team to help them to recover in the wake of a crime. Testimony from those using the service since the launch on:- 17 November 2022, shows the difference it's already making, with victim's feedback including:-

"I appreciated so, so much (having) someone to talk to who tries to get me to speak about how I am feeling. I really do appreciate your calls. Thank you for calling me and keeping in touch with me."

"Felt totally listened to, not rushed. Looked forward to her calls. Wonderful!"

"Thanks for listening; helped me understand what I was feeling is normal."

Delivered by a local team of 15 trained and knowledgeable Victim Care advisers and managers, the hub was launched by the Police Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, to act as a single point of contact for all victims and survivors, providing free, confidential, non-judgemental advice and support. The free service is available to all victims of crime across Merseyside, no matter when the incident happened or whether it was reported to the Police or not. As well as offering emotional and practical support tailored to an individual's needs, the hub links in closely with the 10 independent support services also commissioned by the PCC as part of the Victim Care Merseyside service to provide care for those affected by some of the most harmful crimes. The team also uses their extensive knowledge and ties with a wide range of additional services and community groups to help with an individual's ongoing needs, from counselling and therapeutic support to financial advice or addiction services.

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "3 months in and the Victim Care Merseyside hub is already making a huge difference in the lives of thousands of victims of crime right across Merseyside. From an autistic man assaulted on a bus, to a stalking victim living in fear and a profoundly deaf man vulnerable after a burglary and so many more, thousands of victims provided with dedicated, individual support from the hub to help them to properly recover from the crime they've suffered, build their confidence and regain their independence. The testimony we have received so far is simply amazing and show just how vital the support provided by the hub is for those who have been affected by crime. Ensuring every victim gets the right support, at the right time, in the right way is an absolute priority for me and it's been fantastic to see the progress of the hub in just 3 months - with more than 19,000 potentially vulnerable people directly receiving information about the hub and more than 2,650 people already taking advantage of the support the hub offers. I'm incredibly grateful to the entire team for their tireless efforts so far and, as we mark 3 months since the launch, my message is simple: if you've been affected by crime, no matter when it happened or whether you reported it to the Police or not, Victim Care Merseyside is here to support you."

As well as providing essential support to thousands of victims, the hub team have also visited numerous organisations across Merseyside to increase awareness of the new service and ensure they know how to advise victims to access the service, while also providing training to Merseyside Police Officers and staff. Visits to the Victim Care Merseyside website have also increased by more than 170% since the launch, compared to the same 3-month period the previous year. All victims who report a crime to Merseyside Police and may require support now receive information about the Victim Care Merseyside hub explaining the help and support they can provide, with victims who are identified as being particularly vulnerable being proactively contacted by the team.

Victim Care Merseyside hub manager Nicky Griffiths said:- "Many people feel anxious, worried, intimidated, and sometimes scared in the wake of a crime, but no-one has to go through being a victim of crime on their own. My team is made up of real people who care and are here to help. It doesn't matter how long ago the crime happened or if you reported it to the Police or not – we are here to support you. I'm so proud of what the team have achieved in the last 3 months, supporting thousands of victims of crime and we want to reach many, many more. If there is anything you need following a crime, please get in touch."

Merseyside Police's Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said:- "Merseyside Police aims to ensure victims are supported at every stage of their journey. From the compassion shown by Police Officers and detectives that 1st attend an incident, through to the assistance provided by colleagues in the Witness Care Unit, we have committed and dedicated people doing their very best for victims every day. The Victim Care Merseyside hub is proving to be an invaluable resource, allowing Officers to make referrals for victims that would benefit from additional support. To have offered support and advice to thousands of victims of crime in its 1st 3 months is an incredible achievement and our Officers will continue to work closely with the hub team to ensure victims and survivors are offered the best victim care possible."

If you've been affected by crime, Victim Care Merseyside is here to provide support. Call Freephone:- 08081753080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or request support online at:- VictimCareMerseyside.Org at any time.