AI ‘green submarines’ could carry UK freight

Hydrogen-powered driverless “green submarines” could one day carry freight around the UK, the Transport Secretary has said.

Grant Shapps predicted the autonomous technology, which could be in British waters by 2026, would take freight off roads and head off future truck driver shortages.

Outlining £23million of funding for technology to decarbonise the seas, he told The Daily Telegraph of the project to build 10 submarines to run on green hydrogen. They are due to be tested on runs between Glasgow and Belfast.

Mr Shapps said the boats would also “collect microplastics en route”, adding: “It is really exciting stuff.”