Novel holistic intelligent tools for variable retrofit and decarbonised scenarios (ZEWT Partnership)

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop advanced, intelligent tools that support the decarbonisation of waterborne transport in Europe. The focus is on creating solutions for retrofitting existing ships and introducing new, sustainable operational methods. Projects should help overcome the limitations of current design tools, enable the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy, and address how different retrofit systems interact. The initiative aims to make European fleets more climate-neutral, while maintaining the competitiveness of shipyards and equipment providers. It also seeks to speed up regulatory approval for innovative solutions.

• Projects must address the development of intelligent tools for ship retrofitting and decarbonisation.
• Proposals should include holistic approaches that integrate multiple decarbonising concepts, such as alternative fuels or renewable energy.
• Projects must consider the mutual influences between different retrofit systems.
• Solutions should be cost-effective and support ship-owners in climate-neutral transitions.
• Proposals must follow the specified page limits and layout in the application form.
• Participating countries must meet eligibility requirements as outlined for Horizon Europe projects.

Examples:

• A project developing a digital platform to assess and optimize combinations of alternative fuel systems for aging cargo ships.
• An initiative creating simulation tools for integrating solar and wind energy into passenger vessel retrofits.
• A research project designing cost-effective retrofit packages for small EU fishing fleets, considering both emissions and operational efficiency.

• Personnel costs related to research and development
• Costs for purchasing or leasing equipment and materials
• Subcontracting of technical or scientific services
• Travel and subsistence expenses for project activities
• Costs for prototype development and testing
• Software and digital tools necessary for project implementation
• Dissemination and communication activities
• Project management and coordination costs
• Indirect costs as part of the lump sum

All expenses must fit within the lump sum funding structure. Specific eligible costs should be checked in the official Horizon Europe documentation.

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

• Applicants must submit proposals that meet the specified page limits and required layout.
• Projects must be led by organizations based in eligible countries as defined by Horizon Europe.
• Applicants from certain non-EU or non-Associated Countries may participate if their country has specific funding arrangements.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity to complete the project.
• All partners involved must meet Horizon Europe exclusion criteria.
• Proposals should align with the research and innovation goals of the Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport Partnership.
• Collaboration between different organizations, such as shipyards, equipment providers, and research institutions, is encouraged.