9 December 2025
The UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub has launched its Wave 3 Flexible Funding Call, offering up to £50,000 per project to accelerate innovation in maritime decarbonisation. Applications close on 30 January 2026.
The UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub (UKNCMRH) has announced the opening of its Wave 3 Flexible Funding Call, a major opportunity for researchers and industry partners to secure support for projects tackling the sector’s most pressing decarbonisation challenges. The initiative will provide funding for up to 11 projects, each eligible for £50,000 in support (with reimbursement at 80% of full economic costs, in line with EPSRC standards).
Priority Research Areas
Applicants are invited to submit proposals addressing one of nine priority areas identified by the Hub as critical to the clean maritime transition:
- Real-world emissions monitoring and enforcement technologies
- Skills, workforce and capability development
- Disruptive onboard power systems and electric drives
- Nuclear applications for maritime decarbonisation
- Environmental impact of dredging and sediment management
- Onboard carbon capture and disruptive after-treatment technologies
- Advanced digital tools for power and propulsion system design and operation
- Autonomous vessel design and operations
- Mitigation strategies for safe handling of future clean fuels
Deadline and Application Process
The deadline for applications is Friday, 30 January 2026 at 16:00 GMT. Guidance documents and application forms are available directly from the Hub’s website. Queries can be directed to the Hub’s administration team at Durham University.
The Wave 3 call builds on earlier funding rounds, reinforcing the UK’s ambition to lead in maritime decarbonisation research. With international pressure mounting from the IMO’s emissions targets and growing investor demand for sustainable marine solutions, this initiative provides a platform for UK researchers and companies to demonstrate leadership in next-generation clean maritime technologies.
Further details can be found here: Wave 3: Flexible Funding Call - UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub