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Case Study

Decarbonisation of Scottish Maritime Transport

A comprehensive mapping and analysis of Scotland’s capabilities, challenges, and opportunities in decarbonising maritime transport and port operations to support the transition to zero-emission shipping.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

This study mapped Scotland’s academic research and development strengths and company capabilities in relation to the decarbonisation of maritime transport, assessing these against global technology and market opportunities as the industry transitions toward low-carbon and zero-emission operations. It examined both the decarbonisation of the maritime fleet and port operations, including efforts to enhance operational efficiency and implement new technologies and systems that support sustainable maritime activity.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Identify and benchmark Scotland capability against global trends in decarbonising maritime transportation
Identify Scottish companies and universities in the maritime sector that are contributing to, or have the potential to contribute to, decarbonisation of the sector
Identify barriers to acceleration of decarbonisation of the maritime sector including challenges faced by Scottish tier 1 suppliers as well as gaps in Scottish capability
Undertake a SWOT analysis of Scottish capabilities against sustainable maritime opportunities

Identify and benchmark Scotland capability against global trends in decarbonising maritime transportation
Identify Scottish companies and universities in the maritime sector that are contributing to, or have the potential to contribute to, decarbonisation of the sector
Identify barriers to acceleration of decarbonisation of the maritime sector including challenges faced by Scottish tier 1 suppliers as well as gaps in Scottish capability
Undertake a SWOT analysis of Scottish capabilities against sustainable maritime opportunities




OUR APPROACH

This study involved extensive desk research to identify global initiatives, actions, and potential best practice case studies to decarbonising the maritime sector, including government strategies, corporate activities and major research programmes. This was followed by research to identify all relevant Scottish academic research activity and companies that could be involved in maritime decarbonisation supply and value chains and the development of a database of all organisations. An engagement programme with relevant Scottish based companies, academic researchers and other stakeholders was undertaken to understand their activities and potential contribution to decarbonisation of the maritime sector. All data and information gathered was analysed to help characterise the Scottish supply and value chains that could support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, identifying key supply chain gaps, defining the appetite to engage in decarbonisation, identifying barriers to decarbonisation, assessing the competitive position of the Scottish supply chain, and identifying potential opportunities and options to accelerate decarbonisation of the sector.

DELIVERY TEAM

Iain Weir
Senior Consultant
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Deborah Creamer
Managing Director & Senior Consultant
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Joginder Fagura
Senior Consultant
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Jordan Stodart
Senior Consultant
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OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

There are, however, a number of alternative fuel and propulsion technologies that have been identified as leading candidates for each type of vessel.

There is also a significant role for ports in moving towards decarbonisation of the maritime sector. This role is two-fold: to enable decarbonisation of their own operations and to facilitate zero carbon vessel operation.

Scotland has a number of key strengths including the high profile presence of large, global players in the defence sector and internationally recognised ship building and ship maintenance capabilities. It also has world leading academic maritime capability within the Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering Centre at the University of Strathclyde and The City of Glasgow College Maritime Education and Training together with other centres of excellence and innovation centres working in highly relevant technology areas including, for example, batteries and fuel cells, novel fuels, advanced materials and digital and data technologies.

There are, however, a number of weaknesses that, if addressed, could help to further bolster the sector in Scotland. Most notably, the Scottish supply chain is relatively weak compared to European competitors, especially the limited number of commercial shipbuilders of scale and the lack of indigenous, major systems suppliers (e.g. Tier 1 suppliers).

A key output of this study was the identification of number of potential development options that align well with the strengths of the Scottish maritime sector, harnessing these strengths to exploit the opportunities offered by the requirement for the global maritime transport industry to decarbonise. The recommendations made will be explored in further dialogue and discussion with industry.

Please read the full report here.

Iain Weir

Senior Consultant

I’m Iain Weir, formerly Managing Director of Optimat.  I joined Optimat in 1990 and now have over 35 years’ experience of strategy, innovation and economic development consultancy. I am now working part-time as a senior consultant as a stepping stone to retirement in the future.

During my time at Optimat, I’ve worked to support company growth, innovation and economic development across a range of sectors, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.  I’m proud to have had an integral role over that time in developing Optimat into an internationally recognised strategy consultancy.

One of my key areas of expertise is the development of the low carbon economy, a topic of increasing importance for today’s industries.  I think this is a challenging area for industry and the public sector to address as there can be several solutions offered to reduce carbon impacts, often without a strong evidence base to support their use. I enjoy pursuing an evidence-based analyses of these options to provide valuable insights to stakeholders.

Before joining Optimat, I worked in research and development in the electro-optic materials sector, developing and marketing innovative high-tech materials for a range of applications.  This industrial experience has strongly influenced my approach to assisting companies with their innovation activities.

I hold a BSc (1st class Hons) in Chemistry, a PhD in Chemistry, and an MBA.  I think this strong scientific background has enabled me to pursue an evidence-based and analytical approach to consultancy.

Deborah Creamer

Managing Director

I’m Deborah Creamer, the Managing Director of Optimat. I’m passionate about helping organisations and businesses make smarter, evidence-based decisions, especially when it comes to innovation, technology, and long-term growth.

I’ve been part of the Optimat team since 1998, specialising in strategic industrial analysis for high-tech sectors. Over the years, I’ve built up a deep understanding of what drives success in innovation and economic development, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.

I specialise in advanced materials and manufacturing and the industries in which they play a key role – ranging from aerospace to medical devices. My particular area of expertise is in funding for innovation, spanning a broad spectrum from evaluating R&D and innovation funding application to developing business cases for significant innovation assets in Scotland and the UK. I’ve supported many organisations to craft successful funding applications whether that is for a small R&D project or a state-of-the-art innovation centre and it’s incredibly rewarding to help secure the backing that great ideas need to become reality. Ibelieve in the power of innovation, collaboration, and practical thinking to create lasting impact, for businesses, industries, and communities.

Before joining Optimat, my career started in materials R&D and new product development, working with BP International and Bourns Electronics Inc. That hands on industry experience gave me a solid foundation in how technologies evolve and get to market.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, an MBA, and I’m a Chartered Engineer.

Joginder Fagura

Senior Consultant

I’m Joginder, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in designing and delivering evidence-based economic development and sector growth strategies, working with public sector clients across the UK. My passion lies in translating complex evidence into practical recommendations that help organisations and industries make smarter investment and policy decisions.

I started my career in consultancy with Optimat in 2000. I’ve led and contributed to high-profile studies spanning advanced materials and manufacturing, clean energy industries, life sciences and medical devices. Much of my work has focused on mapping supply chains, identifying market opportunities, benchmarking international best practice, and shaping innovation ecosystems.

I particularly enjoy projects that bring industry, academia, and government together to explore how innovation can drive sustainable growth.

Prior to joining Optimat, I worked as a material scientist, designing bespoke, high-performance materials for demanding application. This practical grounding in industrial research and product development has been invaluable in understanding both the technical and commercial realities of innovation, enabling me to provide clients with advice that is both evidence-based and pragmatic.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from Brunel University and an MSc in Polymer Sciencefrom Lancaster University.

Jordan Stodart

Senior Consultant

I’m Jordan, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in digital and data technologies, especially novel and emerging fields such as AI, IoT, immersive tech, and quantum computing. I support the development of high-growth, high-innovation sectors by delivering studies that make a meaningful impact and help shape industries now and in the future.

I’m very passionate about helping industries navigate change by identifying challenges, uncovering opportunities and designing strategies that address both. This often involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.

In recent years, I’ve built a strong understanding of the innovation landscape by mapping sector ecosystems, assessing R&D funding bids, contributing to European RD&I consortia, and ultimately delivering a wide range of sector studies in key growth sectors such as digital/data, low carbon and net zero, high value manufacturing, the built environment, and more.

Before joining Optimat, I co-founded a digital tech start-up, an experience that grounded me in the everyday realities of running a business. That perspective has been especially useful in an employee-owned company like Optimat, where everyone helps shape the direction of the business.

I hold an MA (Hons) English Literature and an MLitt (Masters) degree from the University of Glasgow, where I mentor students on the MSc FinTech programme. I also support Scotland’s future entrepreneurs through Young Enterprise’s Company Connect programme where I also provide mentorship.