Description 

The European Commission has initiated a call for proposals to support a pilot project aimed at advancing the energy transition within the fisheries sector. This initiative, with a budget of EUR 2.2 million provided by the EU Pilot Project Funds, is open for submissions from 20 February to 11 June 2024.

This funding opportunity focuses on retrofitting a fishing vessel as a demonstrator model equipped with alternative propulsion technologies and other innovative solutions aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and minimizing underwater noise.

The need for such innovations is underscored by the fact that the European fishing fleet currently emits approximately 4.3 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually, primarily due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. This dependence not only challenges the environmental sustainability of the sector but also exposes it to the volatility of energy prices, impacting profitability.

The European Commission's February 2023 Communication on the Energy Transition of the EU Fisheries and Aquaculture sector established a strategic framework for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy performance in the sector. It highlighted the critical need to test and demonstrate these technologies on fishing vessels.

The funded project aims to retrofit a marine fishing vessel to validate the effectiveness of selected technologies and use the vessel to showcase the potential of these innovations to various stakeholders, including fishers, investors, coastal communities, and young people, thereby promoting broader adoption and support for energy-efficient practices within the sector.

 

Budget

The call for proposals is funded under the EU Pilot Project Funds with a budget of EUR 2.2 million. 

 

How to Apply 

Applicants should submit their proposal electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System. 

Applications must be submitted by 11 June 2024 at 17h00 CET.

For more information, please visit the call's webpage and see the recorded information presented on 18 March by speakers form CINEA and DG MARE on the call, the application process, and tips on writing a successful proposal (the presentation and a recording of the event).