Green shipping corridors between Ireland and the UK

EDF UK R&D are creating a green maritime corridor linking the UK and Ireland, in partnership with the shipping companies Irish Ferries and Stena Line. 

A green maritime corridor is a seaway that connects two or more ports on which ships use a low-emission energy source, with appropriate land-based infrastructure available in the ports. 

EDF UK R&D have started the feasibility study in collaboration with Maynooth University and the consultancy firm Ricardo on the sea route between the port of Dublin and the port of Holyhead in Wales.  EDF UK R&D will evaluate the potential for a local supply chain for a low-carbon fuel. This route is used by nearly 1.5 million passengers in 2022, or 74% of the passengers crossing the inlet between the two countries. 

This project is part of the Green Corridor initiative launched at COP26 and aims to decarbonise the maritime sector, with €8 million of investments spread over 30 projects across the country.

"This new zero-emission maritime route between two ports is the first paving stone for a more sustainable maritime route, participating in the transition and implementation of a cleaner industry. This collaboration accelerates the decarbonization of this industry, creates a greener future and helps the UK achieve its goal of carbon neutrality," Patrick Dupeyrat, Director of EDF UK R&D.