Maritime Funding Opportunities

Note:
The majority of the funding opportunities listed are specifically targeted at maritime-related projects. However, some are general funding opportunities that, while not exclusively maritime, are still applicable to maritime research and innovation.

UK funding calls – Maritime

  • Lloyd’s Register Foundation is inviting organisations and communities to apply to its new Maritime Connected funding offer, as it looks to fund projects and initiatives aimed at connecting parts of the maritime system in relation to current or future safety challenges. The closing date for applications is 6th February 2026, there was an informational webinar  for applicants held on 3 September 2025.
  • Clean Maritime Research Hub Wave 3 Flexible Funding Call is open to fund 11 projects at up to £50k each for both Hub’s consortium universities and external institutions. Apply by 30 January 2026
  • Responsible Fishing proof of concept and pilot projects funded by ESA with space applications. Apply by 2 February 2026
  • Maritime and Last Mile Net Zero (MaLaMi) Place-Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) Round 2 funding call is open for researchers to work with industry and civic partners to accelerate the impact of their research. Three levels of funding are available from £6k to £40k. Apply by 26 Feb 2026
  • Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) Small Grants scheme offer grants up to £10k for building partnerships or conduct pilot studies. Second round application by 13th April 2026
  • Former LRF funded student, scholar or apprentice can apply Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) Network to Engineer a Safer Tomorrow (NEST) funding. Apply here

UK funding calls – applicable to maritime

UK tenders

  • Call for tenders on “Marine Vessel Replacement Project” Find out more
  • Call for tenders on “Appointment of RSL or Development Partner for Development of Clune Park Site in Port Glasgow” Find out more
  • Call for tenders on “Oban 1 Linkspan, Berth and adjacent Slipway Modifications & Repairs. Find out more

UK finance/investment opportunities

  • Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund Apply before 7 November 2025
  • British Business Bank Growth Guarantee Scheme support loan sizes of up to £2m and provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee. Find out more
  • British Business Bank Investment Funds Find out more
  • British Business Bank Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans and debt finance from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. Find out more
  • British Business Bank Investment Fund for Wales offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25,000 to £100,000, debt finance from £100,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. Find out more

European funding calls – Maritime

European funding – applicable to maritime

Fellowships and posts

  • Research England EDI Expert Advisory Group. Apply before 6 February 2026
  • Opportunity to join the DfT Science Advisory Council (SAC) – DfT is seeking five new members for its SAC to provide independent, strategic advice on science and technology issues. Apply before 8 Feb 2026.
  • Green Future Fellowships Accelerated International Route by Royal Academy of Engineering Open until September 2027
  • Enterprise Fellowships by Royal Academy of Engineering Apply before 16 February 2026
  • ADR UK Research Fellowships 2025 (RF2025) by ESRC Apply by 26 Feb 2026
  • The Research Chairs and Senior Research Fellowships scheme by Royal Academy of Engineering supports UK-based academics to deliver impactful engineering research in partnership with industry. Awardees receive £450,000 in Academy funding over five years. Apply by 26 Mar 2026
  • UK Intelligence Community (IC) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships by Royal Academy of Engineering promote unclassified basic research in areas of interest to the intelligence, security and defence communities. Apply before 28 April 2026
  • Pre-announcement: Future Leaders Fellowships: round 11 Open on 2 Feb 2026; Apply before 16 June 2026

Partnership opportunities

Training opportunities

  • Discover Digital Transformation Training Programme by STFC Find out more
  • Training opportunities provided by Supplier Development Programme Find out more

Award opportunities

  • The MacRobert Award for UK engineering innovation Apply by 31 January 2026
  • Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26 by Innovate UK for women founders or co-founders of UK registered SMEs to apply for a package of support that includes a grant of up to £75,000 and bespoke business support, to further their ambitious growth plans. Apply by 4 Feb 2026