Shipyards of the future (ZEWT Partnership)
EU-wide innovation call for the demonstration of new digitized, circular, and low-emission production and retrofit processes in small and medium-sized shipyards.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Improvement of the competitiveness, resource efficiency, and sustainability of European shipyards through the use of innovative materials, digital technologies, automation, AI, and biodiversity strategies, as well as the strengthening of skills and working conditions.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Research and development
- Prototyping and demonstration costs
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
Non-eligible expenses
- Purchase of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- Residency in an EU member state or EEA country
- Consortium of at least three independent institutions from different member states or associated countries
- Experience in shipbuilding, digitalization, and innovation
Documents required for application
- Cover letter
- Project description
- Financial plan
- Curriculum vitae of the project leaders
- Proof of legal status
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content
- Sustainability and environmental aspects
- Economic competitiveness
- Quality of consortium composition
- Potential for market launch
Description
The EU initiative “Shipyards of the Future” within the ZEWT Partnership targets small and medium-sized shipyards as well as their suppliers from EU Member States and EEA countries. The objective is to demonstrate digitized, circular-based, and low-emission production and retrofit processes for watercraft. Funding supports innovative materials, automation solutions, AI applications, and biodiversity strategies to enhance the competitiveness of European shipyards and sustainably improve their resource efficiency. The consortium must consist of at least three independent entities from different Member States and brings together experts from shipbuilding, digitalization, and research. The funding, provided as a grant with a rate of up to 70%, covers personnel costs, research and development, prototyping, material, and travel expenses. Acquisition of real estate, retroactive costs, or debt settlement are excluded. The maximum funding amount is €10.5 million, with an application deadline of April 14, 2026.
The focus is on the market introduction of field-tested pilot applications in at least three EU/EEA shipyards. In addition to technological aspects, the program also considers the development of qualification strategies and the improvement of working conditions. A special emphasis is placed on the integration of digitalization, automation, and ecological responsibility through nature-based solutions. Evaluation criteria include innovation content, environmental aspects, economic viability, consortium quality, and market introduction potential. Funded projects contribute to EU climate neutrality and the strengthening of the maritime industry by laying the foundation for large-scale conversion to zero- or climate-neutral ships.
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