University of Liverpool Leads UK’s First National Training Framework for Clean Maritime Fuels
The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), funded by Innovate UK and the Department for Transport, delivers projects that help the maritime sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions, foster innovation, and transition toward cleaner, more sustainable shipping.
In its latest round, CMDC 6: Smart Shipping, a project led by Professor Musa Bashir, Chair of Maritime Engineering and Director of Postgraduate Research (PGR) Studies, at the University of Liverpool, was awarded funding. The project, Future Fuels Training Framework for Clean Maritime, is led by O.S. Energy and will deliver the UK’s first national training framework dedicated to low- and zero-emission fuels for the maritime sector. Working in partnership with the University of Liverpool, Ecoma, EngasGlobal, Newcastle University, and South Shields Marine School, O.S. Energy will establish the first scalable training framework covering hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, hybrid, and battery-electric propulsion.
The programme will combine classroom teaching, simulator-based exercises, hands-on bunkering practice, and real-world onboard experience using vessels already operating with future fuels.
A key innovation is the integration of vocational and academic pathways through a scalable, modular delivery model. This framework will support continuing professional development (CPD), higher education programmes, and exportable training content - ensuring lasting impact across both the domestic and global maritime workforce.
By addressing the growing skills gap in the safe use of alternative fuels, this initiative will strengthen the UK’s position as a world leader in clean maritime innovation, future-proof the industry workforce, and contribute to national and international decarbonisation goals.
Joseph Hodgson, Project Lead and Naval Architect at O.S. Energy, shared his thoughts: “I am really looking forward to getting started on this project. It is a fantastic opportunity to bring together training providers, universities and industry to build the skills we need for the future of clean maritime.
This work is an important step for the UK in preparing our workforce to safely operate with new fuels and stay at the forefront of decarbonisation.”
Professor Bashir said: "This project represents a major step forward in equipping the maritime workforce with the skills needed to safely operate next-generation fuels. By combining academic excellence with practical, hands-on training, we are helping the UK maritime sector lead the way in innovation and decarbonisation."
The Maritime Future Fuels Training Plan Project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport. UK SHORE has allocated over £230m since 2022 to develop the technologies necessary to decarbonise the UK maritime sector and capture the economic growth opportunity of the transition. Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the main delivery partner for UK SHORE interventions.
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The Research and Partnerships team at the University of Liverpool is keen to collaborate with industry to drive both decarbonisation and digitalisation in the maritime sector. Please get in touch to explore partnership opportunities.