AS efforts to develop technology to curb carbon emissions from shipping get underway, The Northern Echo looks back at some of the region's shipyards.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said its new scheme could lead to hydrogen-powered boats and electric charge points at ports across the UK.
Scientists and academics are being encouraged to collaborate with shipbuilders and ports on proposals for green technology trials that could be expanded commercially.
The £20 million competition is aimed at supporting the development of prototype vessels and port infrastructure to help the UK reach its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
It comes ahead of the key international COP26 climate talks in Glasgow in November.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We have a proud shipbuilding history, and together with industry, I am determined to build on that as we look to develop the innovations of the future and meet our net-zero target.
“We are revolutionising maritime technology, and from electric boats to hydrogen ports, we will change the way this country sails forever, and bring jobs and prosperity to the UK.”
Around 80 per cent of global trade by volume is carried on ships, but there is growing concern about the sector’s environmental impact.
Generations of North-East families built ships on the Tees, Tyne and Wear, as well as in Blyth. Shipbuilding was historically linked with coal, for which the region is well-known.
At one time, the then-town of Sunderland launched over 25 per cent of all the ships in the world in some years.
The town suffered after the Second World War with the decline of an industry that had made it famous that ended with the final closure announcement in December 1988.
Let's take a look at snapshots of the docks that once played a huge role in the region:
- The Ark Royal on Tyneside
The Ark Royal nearing completion at Swan Hunter's yard on Tyneside in May 1981. Today grey skies welcomed a
The grand old grey lady, which was built on Tyneside, launched on the River Tyne in June 1981 made her way up river for her final visit watched by large crowds.
The ship was a victim of the spending cuts and decommissioned sooner after.
- Middleton’s three-sided clock tower at Middlesbrough Docks
- North East Shipbuilders' Wearside Yard, North Sands
Where Sunderland University's St Peters Campus and The National Glass Centre now stand on the River Wear was where the death knell for shipbuilding in the town that had become synonymous with it was sounded.
The announcement in December 1988 confirmed that North East Shipbuilders Ltd, and their three Wearside yards, including the North Sands yard at the mouth of the river Pictured in it's heyday, were to close.
This brought an end to over six centuries of shipbuilding in the city.
Pictured is the North Sands yard at its height showing the Orenda Bridge Launch November 1971. She was the largest ship to be built on River Wear, at the time, and one of the largest bulk carriers anywhere, when launched from the North Sands yard of Doxford and Sunderland Ltd.
- Middlesbrough and the River Tees showing the shipyards and docks
- HMS Ocean docking in Sunderland for the first time in 1999
- A modern makeover at Tees dry dock
The sailing ship the Christian Radich, winner of the Tall Ships Race and star of film and TV, is undergoing an important “makeover” at A&P Tees yard in this picture.
The full-rigged, three masted ship The Christian Radich arrived at the AP Tees Dry Dock Yard on Teesside over Christmas 2010 for important restoration work.
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