Demonstration of battery energy storage systems in existing and new vessels via novel energy storage and ship design concepts (ZEWT Partnership)

The main goal of this opportunity is to demonstrate advanced battery-electric operation in waterborne transport, aiming for a significant increase in the range of fully battery-electric vessels. The focus is on achieving at least a 40% improvement in operating range compared to current 2024 standards, as well as enhancing energy storage, energy efficiency, and rapid charging solutions. The initiative supports better connectivity between islands and the mainland, encourages a shift of cargo from road to inland waterways, and seeks to improve battery lifetime and safety. It is designed to boost the competitiveness and independence of the EU waterborne sector, with projects taking place in EU and certain associated or specially eligible non-EU countries.

• Projects must demonstrate full-scale battery-electric operation in either seagoing vessels over 400 Gross Tonnage or inland river vessels longer than 86 meters.
• Each project must increase the vessel's operating range by at least 40% compared to the 2024 state-of-the-art baseline for fully electric vessels.
• Proposals must achieve an operational range of at least 120 nautical miles (or equivalent) under real-world conditions.
• Solutions may target either new vessel builds or the retrofit of existing vessels.
• Innovative approaches for extending range must go beyond simply increasing battery size.

Examples:

• Retrofitting a 100-meter inland cargo vessel with a new battery system that increases its electric range by 45% and adds rapid charging capability.
• Designing a new seagoing passenger ferry over 400 GT that operates entirely on batteries, reaching 130 nautical miles per charge using advanced energy management.
• Implementing a demonstration project where an existing vessel's battery system is replaced with a modular, high-efficiency solution that extends range and reduces charging time.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 15.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 7.500.000€

• Applicants must be established in an EU country or an Associated Country eligible under the Horizon Europe program.
• Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may also be eligible if they have made special funding provisions for Horizon Europe projects.
• Proposals must address either seagoing vessels over 400 GT or inland river vessels longer than 86 meters.
• Projects must aim for a 40% increase in vessel operating range, using batteries as the main propulsion source.
• Solutions must be suitable for either new builds or retrofits and include innovative range-extension measures.
• Further eligibility details are available in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Programme Guide.