The European Union is seeking submissions under the Maritime Low Emission Network (MarLEN) initiative for research and innovation projects in zero emission waterborne transport technologies.
The initiative aims to strengthen European waterborne research by aligning and coordinating national and regional maritime research programmes and policies with the objectives of the Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) partnership. The activities will include exchange of information and knowledge among national programme owners and programme managers as well as the implementation of distinct joint activities.
The call is open to applicants from MarLEN participating countries, including Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Türkiye, and United Kingdom.
Organisations from non-participating countries may also join, provided they can secure national funding and consortium approval.
Moreover, projects must involve at least two legal entities from different countries, with industry participation required and SMEs involvement strongly encouraged.
What can be funded?
Innovative projects aligned with the objectives of the Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) partnership, covering technological innovations – ranging from low to high TRLs – in the following fields:
- Sustainable alternative fuels
- Electrification
- Energy efficiency
- Design & retrofitting
- Digitalisation
- Ports and related infrastructure
Three priority areas
The 1st MarLEN call will focus in particular on three Main Priority Areas (MPAs):
- MPA1 – Early Concepts & Industrial Research
- MPA2 – Experimental Development & Innovation
- MPA3 – End-user Involvement & Demonstration
The duration of the selected projects will be up to three years. Submissions of proposals are now being accepted until 30 September 2025.
