BRIEFING PAPER: MaritimeTwin – Innovate UK Project: Pathways to UK maritime decarbonisation
Summary
Authors:
Mercedes Maroto-Valer
John Andresen
Jil Sheth
Heriot-Watt University
MaritimeTwin – Innovate UK Project: Pathways to UK maritime decarbonisation
This briefing document synthesises literature and evidence on pathways to UK maritime decarbonisation, examining operational efficiency, digital technologies, port infrastructure and policy frameworks to inform the MaritimeTwin project. It provides a comprehensive literature review of operational, technological and policy measures across ports, vessels, routes and digital infrastructure, highlighting the dominant near-term role of operational efficiency and digital technologies over fuel switching. The document identifies key systemic barriers in infrastructure, regulation, economics, skills, data and international coordination, and maps strategic opportunities such as green shipping corridors and use of technology to reduce maritime emissions. It concludes with priorities for digital twins, real-time emissions tracking and harmonised accounting frameworks to guide policy, investment and industry practice.
Associated Research
This output is delivered in collaboration with CGI and Maritime UK as highlighted in the document, as part of the ‘MaritimeTwin: Maritime Emissions Reduction Through Digital Twin and Satellite Technology Integration’ Innovate UK project. MaritimeTwin project is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 6 (CMDC6), funded by UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport.
