Shipping emits roughly 940 million tonnes of CO₂ each year—about 2.5% of global greenhouse gases—and without intervention, that could rise by 50% to 250% by 2050. The Clean Hybrid Alternative Marine Project (CHAMP), led by Mathwall Engineering, aims to prove that hybrid powertrains—already common in cars—can slash emissions from recreational boats, defence vessels, and small-to-medium commercial ships. The problem is clear: marine engines are still largely fossil-fuel dependent, and regulators are tightening rules, especially in marinas and city waterways. CHAMP will design, build, and test a prototype hybrid system using sustainable fuels, then demonstrate it on a real-world rigid inflatable boat (RIB). The project also explores how a boat club could run carbon-neutral services, and creates a technology roadmap toward full zero-emission propulsion. If successful, CHAMP could give the UK marine industry a competitive edge in supplying hybrid and zero-emission systems to global boat manufacturers. For the public, cleaner harbours and quieter, less polluting waterways would be the most visible change. The research is applied and commercial—not fundamental science—but its impact depends on whether the hybrid architecture proves both technically viable and cost-effective at scale.
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The International Maritime Organisation's Greenhouse Gas study highlighted that maritime transportation emits around 940 million tonnes of CO2 annually and is responsible for around 2.5% of global greenhouse gas. Without action it is projected to increase between 50% and 250% by 2050\. With the ever-increasing global focus on sustainability and decarbonisation, the IMO targets a 50% reduction in emissions by 2050\. In parallel, marine authorities are mandating greener drive solutions, especially in closed areas such as marinas and city waterways. Technology has a key role to play in achieving an aggressive reduction in CO2\. However, the industry must evolve to adapt new technologies that increase sustainability, especially technologies that have been developed and demonstrated in other industries, such as the automotive sector. CHAMP (Clean Hybrid Alternative Marine Powertrains), led by Mathwall Engineering Limited, aims to demonstrate the potential performance that can be achieved with introduction of hybrid technology in recreational, defence and small to medium-sized commercial vessels. The project will develop and prototype key technologies, including the application of sustainable fuels, enabling rapid deployment of hybrid powertrains across these sectors. This approach provides a significant step towards zero emission capability. The project will also build the technology road map to deliver zero emission capability through follow-on steps. Mathwall Engineering has designed a unique architecture and control strategy that provides leading levels of sustainable operation, whilst allowing access to the high performance potential of a hybrid powertrain. The project aims to: 1) Validate the role of hybrid powertrains in marine markets, evaluating technical and commercial feasibility of our proposed architecture. 2) Develop, manufacture and demonstrate key technologies that enable deployment of a hybrid solution. 3) Support the design process with digital engineering tools and techniques, plus rig based validation, allowing programme timing to be significantly compressed. 4) Deliver a technical demonstration rib, validating project concept targets and attributes in a suitably challenging real-world setting. 5) Investigate and demonstrate an operational model, allowing a recreational boat club to deliver services in a carbon neutral environment. 6) Create a roadmap that helps industry achieve electric and zero carbon propulsion, including the commercial strategy for interfacing with global boat manufacturers and system integrators, enabling UK marine powertrain industry to position itself as the premiere supplier of technology and products for hybrid and zero emission marine solutions. CHAMP aims to build sovereign capability and position the project partners at the forefront of sustainable propulsion in marine applications.
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