The UK maritime sector, its coastal towns and the communities that depend on them have been given a major boost with the announcement of a £1.1 billion investment package designed to spur growth, create jobs and accelerate skills development across the nation’s shorelines.
Unveiled on 15 September 2025 during London International Shipping Week, this joint public-private investment aims to strengthen the UK’s maritime hubs, support innovation — particularly in clean technology — and ensure that coastal economies thrive in a changing global landscape.
Maritime at the Heart of Coastal Prosperity
At the centre of the package is a combination of £700 million in private sector investment and £448 million of government funding, which together form a significant commitment to infrastructure, innovation and skills development across ports and coastal cities.
A major portion of the public investment will be channelled through the UK SHORE programme — a flagship initiative that supports the research, development and deployment of low- and zero-emission maritime technologies, including electric propulsion, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and wind-based systems.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasised the importance of the announcement, saying this funding will “supercharge growth and jobs in our coastal towns and cities – making the UK one of the best places in the world to invest.”
Boosting Jobs, Skills and Innovation
The investment is intended to create and sustain high-skilled employment opportunities across a range of sectors tied to maritime and coastal economies — from engineering and construction to advanced green technologies and ship decarbonisation.
Previous rounds of UK SHORE funding have already supported more than 750 jobs and delivered over £240 million across 200 projects, including innovations such as electric shore-power infrastructure and hydrogen-producing systems from recycled wastewater.
By directing fresh capital towards similar forward-looking projects, government and industry leaders hope to strengthen both the skills pipeline and commercial competitiveness of coastal maritime communities, ensuring long-term resilience and prosperity.
What It Means for the UK Maritime Sector
For shoreside training providers, employers and aspiring professionals, this investment signals a clear industry direction:
- Stronger Port Infrastructure — enabling larger and greener vessel operations and boosting freight and cruise capabilities.
- Skills and Job Growth — expanded roles in engineering, green tech and support services across coastal economies.
- Clean Maritime Leadership — increased deployment of zero-emission technologies supported by both public and private funding.
At a time when climate commitments, technological disruption and global competition are reshaping the maritime industry, the UK’s latest investment package puts coastal communities and maritime talent at the heart of future growth.
