Innovative Earth observation services in support of maritime litter detection and ship source pollution policies

The main goal of this opportunity is to support research and innovation that leads to new technologies for better detection of potential spills and identification of polluters at sea. It aims to help national maritime authorities and enforcement agencies improve their ability to protect marine environments. Focus areas include developing and demonstrating advanced space sensors, using artificial intelligence for spill detection, and identifying pollutants such as oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, and exhaust residues. There is a strong emphasis on improving the accuracy, speed, and automation of these detection services. The opportunity addresses the needs of authorities responsible for maritime environmental protection.

• Projects must follow the page limit and layout requirements as specified in the application guidelines.
• Projects must use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing data and services, specifically Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS systems (other data may also be included).
• Consortiums may include the Joint Research Centre (JRC) as a member.
• Applicants from eligible countries, including some non-EU/non-Associated Countries with specific provisions, may participate.
• Only one project will be funded under this call.

Examples:

• A project using Copernicus satellite data and AI algorithms to automatically detect oil spills in European waters.
• A consortium developing a system that combines Galileo navigation data with real-time sensors to track chemical pollution from ships.
• A research team demonstrating a new technology for rapid identification of marine litter using both earth observation and local sensor networks.

• Personnel costs related to research and innovation activities
• Equipment and material costs needed for developing and testing new technologies
• Software and data acquisition, including access to satellite data
• Travel and accommodation for project meetings and field demonstrations
• Subcontracting of specialized technical services
• Costs for dissemination and communication activities
• Project management and coordination expenses
• Training and capacity-building workshops
• Prototyping and demonstration costs

Note: Funding is provided as a lump sum. All costs must directly relate to the project and follow the guidelines set out in the Horizon Europe Programme.

• Budget for this Call: 5,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Maximum value per project: 5,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 5,000,000€

• Proposals must follow the specified page limits and layout requirements in the application guidelines.
• Applicants must be from eligible countries as defined by the Horizon Europe Programme (some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may also participate if allowed).
• Projects must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS satellite-based systems for earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing (other data sources can also be used).
• Consortiums can include the Joint Research Centre (JRC) as a partner.
• Applicants must demonstrate both financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• All costs must be claimed as a lump sum following Horizon Europe rules.