Disruptive Technologies and Innovative Concepts for Energy Saving Onboard of long-distance ships (ZEWT Partnership)
EU-wide funding of innovative technologies to reduce energy consumption on long-distance ships by at least 25% compared to 2008, supported under the Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) partnership. Submissions possible until 14.04.2026 and 08.10.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Development and demonstration of disruptive propulsion systems, optimized hull designs, digital twins, and AI-based energy management solutions to significantly reduce the energy consumption of long-distance ships and make the EU inland waterway transport industry more competitive and climate-friendly.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Subcontractor services
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Consortium of at least three independent entities from different EU Member States/associated countries
- Proof of operational and financial capacity
- Focus on TRL 4–5 for research and innovation
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Curriculum vitae
- Description of the solution approach
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Impact on energy savings
- Quality of implementation
Description
The EU funding initiative “Disruptive Technologies and Innovative Concepts for Energy Saving Onboard of long-distance ships (ZEWT Partnership)” supports companies, start-ups, and educational institutions from EU member states as well as associated countries in the development and demonstration of radically new concepts to reduce the energy consumption of long-distance ships by at least 25% compared to 2008. Eligible are research and innovation activities (TRL 4–5) in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energies, digitalization, climate protection, and environmental/nature conservation. The focus is on disruptive propulsion systems, optimized hull designs, digital twins, and AI-supported energy management solutions. For application, a consortium of at least three independent entities from different EU member states or associated countries is required; a 100% funding rate covers personnel, material, travel, and subcontractor costs, excluding real estate acquisition and retrospective costs. Funding volume: a total of EUR 15 million; submission deadlines: 14 April 2026 and 8 October 2026, each by 17:00 Brussels time.
The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness and climate-friendliness of the European inland waterway transport industry. Targeted are shipping companies, ship technology firms, maritime research institutions, and start-ups advancing innovative concepts for propulsion and non-propulsion systems. Applicants must demonstrate their operational and financial capacity and comply with Horizon Europe rules on disclosure, ethics, and gender equality. Projects report their progress to the Zero Emission Waterborne Transport Partnership (ZEWT) for KPI monitoring. By combining disruptive technologies with sustainable business models and EU-wide networked consortia, this grant makes a significant contribution to the decarbonization of long-distance maritime transport and the securing of a resilient maritime value chain.