EU Grants: EU Calls for Innovative Solutions in Energy Conversion and Safety for Low- and Zero-Carbon Marine Fuels

Powering the Future: EU Calls for Innovative Solutions in Energy Conversion and Safety for Low- and Zero-Carbon Marine Fuels

New Horizon Europe funding opportunity for maritime innovation – proposals due 4 September 2025

The European Commission, through the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), has launched a strategic call for proposals under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023–2025. Focused on the green transition of maritime transport, the call invites applications under Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility, with direct links to the Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) Partnership.

This call, titled “Innovative solutions for energy conversion and safety of low and zero-carbon fuels in waterborne transport” (Call ID: HORIZON-CL5-2025-D5-10), is part of the EU’s commitment to support net-zero innovation, clean energy transition, and decarbonisation in shipping.

Deadline for proposal submission: 4 September 2025.

🔋 Scope: Energy Conversion and Marine Fuel Safety

The EU is seeking grant applications from consortia that can design, integrate, and demonstrate high-efficiency, low-emission marine propulsion systems. The scope includes:

• Fuel cell systems ≥ 5 MW suitable for ocean-going vessels
• Advanced internal combustion engines (ICEs) ≥ 10 MW powered by renewable fuels
• Hybrid systems achieving ≥ 55% energy-to-shaft efficiency

These solutions must be demonstrated on real vessels, preferably those over 5,000 gross tonnage, in operational settings. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6–7 is expected by project end.

🛡️ Safety and Environmental Risk Assessment

Proposals must also address:

• Onboard fuel handling, containment, and safety systems
• Pollutant and by-product mitigation (e.g., NOₓ, SOₓ, PM, NH₃, CH₂O, N₂O)
• Risk-based engineering for fuel dispersion, explosion scenarios, and port interface safety

Projects should include life-cycle analysis (LCA), emissions modelling, and safety protocols aligned with IMO, ISO, and EU maritime safety frameworks.

🛠️ System Integration, Circular Economy and Digital Tools

The call emphasizes whole-system integration, resource efficiency, and the use of advanced digital methods, including:

• Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and virtual simulation
• Digital twins for ship energy systems and predictive maintenance
• Circularity and modularity to enable asset reuse and scalable design

Applicants are encouraged to align with circular economy principles, contributing to the EU’s long-term strategy to reduce maritime emissions and promote sustainable vessel lifecycle management.

📚 Skills, Certification and Market Uptake

A comprehensive training and dissemination plan is essential. Projects must propose:

• Certified training programmes for seafarers, engineers, and port workers
• Policy alignment with FuelEU Maritime and Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR)
• Contributions to standardisation via collaboration with classification societies and port authorities

Consortia should also define clear exploitation strategies, market replication pathways, and links to EU support tools like the Innovation Fund and CEF AFIF (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility).

🎯 Who Should Apply?

This Horizon Europe call is open to:

• Shipbuilders, propulsion and marine technology companies
• Fuel and clean energy developers (hydrogen, ammonia, methanol)
• Universities, research centres, and maritime R&D consortia
• Classification societies, safety technology providers
• Port operators, bunkering providers, and training organisations

📌 Quick Call Summary

🌍 Strategic Impact and Policy Alignment

The call supports key EU strategies, including:

• European Green Deal
• Fit for 55 Package
• FuelEU Maritime Regulation
• Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy

Projects funded under this call are expected to reduce GHG emissions, improve EU competitiveness in green ship technology, and promote climate-resilient maritime transport.

🔗 Applications

Full call details and proposal submission materials are available via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

For partnerships, eligibility criteria, and proposal support, contact your National Contact Point (NCP) or visit the ZEWT Partnership pages for guidance.