Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is encouraging maritime businesses to attend a Belfast event on 12 May to learn about a UK Government funding programme for decarbonisation.

The UK Department for Transport and Innovate UK Business Connect will engage with attendees at the event organised by Northern Ireland Maritime and Offshore and hosted at A&L Goodbody's Belfast offices.

The £271 million investment supports development of green boat fuel and innovation through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions research programme, announced in March.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir stated that the investment could sustain skilled jobs and benefit shipping and coastal communities. He welcomed the funding as a step to reduce maritime emissions and support climate goals, including Northern Ireland's Climate Adaptation Programme and draft Climate Action Plan.

Funding comes from the seventh round of the clean maritime demonstration competition and the second round of the zero emissions vessels and infrastructure fund. Grants target freight, passenger, commercial, leisure and fishing vessels for clean fuels and infrastructure.

The programme aligns with the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026, which includes UK domestic maritime activities in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme from 1 July 2026.