Enhanced electric operation and battery durability (ZEWT Partnership)
Innovation partnership to improve electric refueling and battery longevity for emission-free watercraft. EU-wide call with application deadline 14.04.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal is to promote research and innovation in the field of emission-free waterborne transport. In particular, innovative battery management systems, fast charging/in-route charging strategies, and module concepts are to be developed and validated in real-world operation to significantly increase the range, charge cycles, and lifespan of battery electric ships. The program also supports pilot demonstrations on different ship types, addresses safety and standardization aspects, and promotes the development of business models and training offerings.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Subcontractor services
- Infrastructure costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Debt settlement
- Retroactive costs
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Public Institutions
- Founders
Funding requirements
- Consortium with at least three independent partners from different EU Member States or associated countries
- Proof of expertise in ship electrification and battery research
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Curricula vitae
- Consortium agreement
- Tender documents
Evaluation criteria
- Degree of innovation
- Scientific and technical approach
- Quality and efficiency of implementation
- Potential for EU added value
Description
The innovation partnership "Enhanced electric operation and battery durability (ZEWT Partnership)" targets European shipyards, outfitters, and suppliers in the waterborne transport sector, research institutions, as well as public and private operators of zero-emission ferries, short-sea, offshore, and inland vessels. In transnational consortia with at least three independent partners from different EU Member States or associated countries, advanced battery management systems, fast charging and in-route charging strategies, as well as modular battery designs are to be developed and validated under real operational conditions. Pilot demonstrations on various ship types will address safety and standardization aspects. In parallel, business models and training programs will be developed to significantly increase the range, charging cycles, and lifespan of battery-electric waterborne vessels. Project results contribute to strengthening the European value chain and support the objectives of the Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) Partnership concept within Horizon Europe.
Funding is provided to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), educational, public, and non-profit institutions, as well as start-ups; the funding rate ranges between 70% and 100% of eligible costs (personnel expenses, material and infrastructure costs, travel expenses, subcontracting services) depending on the measure. Up to €10 million per project is available, disbursed in the form of grants. Prerequisites include, besides expertise in ship electrification and battery research, the involvement of at least three partners from different EU/associated countries. The submission deadline is 14 April 2027; project proposals must be submitted exclusively via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Selection is based on the level of innovation, scientific and technical approach, quality of implementation, and EU added value. Various support tools such as partner search and online manuals accompany the application process.
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