Innovative solutions for energy conversion and safety of low and zero-carbon fuels in waterborne transport (ZEWT Partnership)

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the development and demonstration of innovative solutions for energy conversion and safety in waterborne transport using low and zero-carbon fuels. It focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants from ships, as well as integrating and scaling up fuel cell and internal combustion engine technologies for maritime use. Projects should help achieve technological maturity for these systems on-board vessels and support the decarbonization of long-distance shipping. The opportunity targets two main areas: fuel cell systems with at least 5 MW power output, and internal combustion engine solutions with at least 10 MW power output, both using low and zero-carbon fuels. The geographic scope includes eligible countries under the Horizon Europe program, with some additional provisions for certain non-EU countries.

• Projects must address either fuel cell (FC) or internal combustion engine (ICE) solutions for maritime use.
• Fuel cell projects must demonstrate a combined power output of at least 5 MW using low and zero-carbon fuels.
• ICE projects must demonstrate a combined power output of at least 10 MW, with at least 85% of energy from low and zero-carbon fuels.
• Projects must align with environmental goals, including reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions.
• Compliance with safety protocols and relevant standards is required.
• Proposals must meet all thresholds and requirements outlined in the call.

Example Projects:

• A consortium installs and operates a 6 MW hydrogen fuel cell system on a cargo vessel to demonstrate zero-emission shipping.
• A project retrofits a large ferry with new ICEs that use 90% bio-methanol, achieving a total output of 12 MW.
• A team integrates a hybrid system combining fuel cells and batteries to power a passenger ship, focusing on reducing NOx and SOx emissions.

• Personnel costs for project staff and researchers
• Costs for equipment and machinery (except for Carbon Capture Storage and related technologies)
• Materials and supplies needed for demonstrations
• Costs for testing, monitoring, and validation activities
• Travel and accommodation for project activities
• Costs for safety and risk assessment measures
• Consultancy and subcontracting directly related to the project
• Communication and dissemination activities
• Project management and coordination expenses

Restrictions: Equipment costs linked to Carbon Capture Storage and Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilisation are not eligible for funding.

• Budget for this Call: 22.500.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 11.250.000€

• Must be a consortium of at least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries (at least one from an EU Member State).
• All partners must show financial and operational capacity. Participants must be from EU or Horizon-associated countries.
• Project must align with the ZEWT Partnership and demonstrate full-scale energy conversion and safety solutions using low or zero-carbon fuels on a vessel above 5,000 GT.
• The system must operate at full load and cut NOₓ, sulphur, and particulates by at least 90%.
• Proposals must include technology like large-scale fuel cells (≥5 MW) or ICEs (≥10 MW), and address safety, fuel handling, operational costs, and training.
• Standard Horizon Europe compliance and ethics rules apply.