Real-time, adaptative and innovative energy management solutions to optimise fuel consumption and lower emissions pollutants in waterborne transport (ZEWT Partnership)

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop real-time, adaptive, and innovative energy management solutions for waterborne transport. The focus is on optimizing fuel consumption and reducing pollutant emissions, such as greenhouse gases, SOx, and NOx. Projects are encouraged to integrate advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and new energy systems. Key areas include real-time monitoring, adaptive energy management, modular ship energy systems, improved sensing, and ship design optimization. Case studies may cover inland waterways, coastal shipping, and deep-sea shipping.

• Projects must follow the proposal format and page limits specified in the Horizon Europe application guidelines.
• Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria, including geographic and partnership requirements, as outlined in the relevant programme documents.
• Projects should demonstrate both financial and operational capacity to carry out the proposed work.
• Eligible costs must be presented as a lump sum.
• Projects should address real-time, adaptive energy management in waterborne transport and align with the thematic focus areas.

Examples:

• A project that develops an AI-driven system for real-time fuel optimization on deep-sea cargo ships.
• An initiative that pilots modular energy management architectures on inland waterway vessels.
• A consortium creating advanced sensing and monitoring tools to track emissions and energy use in coastal shipping fleets.

• Personnel costs for research, technical, and project management staff
• Costs for purchasing or developing hardware and software for energy management systems
• Expenses related to testing and demonstrating new technologies on ships
• Subcontracting for specialized technical expertise or services
• Travel and accommodation for project meetings, site visits, or case studies
• Costs for data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Consumables and materials needed for prototypes or demonstrations
• Dissemination, communication, and stakeholder engagement activities
• Project management and administrative costs

All expenses must fit within the lump sum funding model. Only costs directly linked to project activities are eligible.

• Budget for this Call: 4.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Legal entities from EU Member States or associated countries (including EEA, European Neighbourhood Policy countries, and other third countries meeting Article 16 criteria of Regulation (EU) 2021/695) are eligible to participate.
• A minimum consortium of three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries is required; at least one must be from a Member State of the EU.
• All consortium members must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity to carry out their work packages, as outlined in Annex B and C of the Horizon Europe Model Grant Agreement.
• Projects must align with the ZEWT Partnership focus on zero-emission waterborne transport, and demonstrate strong innovation potential for real-time energy management and emissions reduction through adaptive digital or technical systems. Whilst specific TRL levels are likely defined in the topic text, eligibility presumes relevance to onboard or port-side energy optimization technologies under the ZEWT scope.
• Standard exclusion criteria apply, including integrity checks, ethics review, and no significant pending contractual or legal issues with the EU.