Real-time, adaptative and innovative energy management solutions to optimise fuel consumption and lower emissions pollutants in waterborne transport (ZEWT Partnership)

The grant opportunity HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-12 aims to support the development of real-time energy management solutions to optimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions in waterborne transport under the ZEWT Partnership. This grant falls under the Horizon Europe program, specifically Call Cluster 5 for 2025.

Eligible applicant types include startups, SMEs, large enterprises, universities, research institutes, and public-private partnerships involved in maritime transport, energy systems, or environmental technologies. The type of funding available is a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant and it is expected that a consortium may be required, though this is not explicitly stated. The geographic eligibility mainly includes EU member states and associated countries.

The target sectors for funding focus on maritime transport and energy systems, specifically addressing emissions reduction. The project stage suggests that applicants should be working towards development or validation, likely at Technology Readiness Levels 5 to 7.

Funding amounts have not been explicitly stated but typically range between €1 million to €5 million for similar projects in Cluster 5. The application process is a single-stage open call with a deadline for submission set for September 4, 2025. Projects are expected to deliver innovative energy management systems that integrate advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to improve monitoring and control systems across various types of ships, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance with emissions regulations.

The grant requires no specified co-funding, making it potentially more accessible for applicants. Success rates for Horizon Europe projects typically range from 10% to 20%, depending on competition levels.

Overall, the goal of this funding opportunity is to advance energy management in the maritime sector, contributing to broader EU objectives such as the Green Deal and the decarbonization of waterborne transport.

The EU Funding Opportunity is HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-12, titled "Real-time, adaptative and innovative energy management solutions to optimise fuel consumption and lower emissions pollutants in waterborne transport (ZEWT Partnership)". It falls under the Horizon Europe (HORIZON) program, specifically Call Cluster 5 Call 04-2025 (WP 2025) (HORIZON-CL5-2025-04). It is a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA) with a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] type of Model Grant Agreement (MGA).

The call is currently open for submission with a single-stage deadline. The opening date was 06 May 2025, and the deadline for submission is 04 September 2025 at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcomes of the projects are: Ship operators will benefit from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), using techniques such as Machine Learning (ML) and Machine Reasoning, and improved instrumentation, as well as on monitoring and control systems to optimise ship operations, while integrating new fuel types, power conversion systems, propulsion and heat systems, wind-assisted propulsion, innovative energy storage systems (beyond conventional batteries), and other energy efficiency solutions; Improved supervision, forecasting, and real-time control of the full spectrum and complexity of ship energy needs and flows and sea state, according to the variety of operation profiles (i.e., ship energy dynamics, varying -especially low- water levels); Development of adaptable real-time optimisation strategies to accommodate expected and unforeseen operational conditions; Improved calibration and certification of sensing systems, including low-cost innovative real-time sensors, to support the enforcement of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction, as well as SOx and NOx emissions regulatory framework, both at a European (e.g., Sulphur Directive, NRMM Regulation) and international level (e.g., MARPOL Annex VI), as well as the reduction of emissions of any other relevant harmful emissions, leading towards common operational procedures, methodologies and reporting; Improved ship design concepts including lessons learnt from energy efficiency optimisation, considering various parameters that influence ship performance under diverse operational conditions (e.g., wave characteristics, wind strength, hull biofouling growth rate, low water levels/droughts).

The scope of this funding opportunity is centered around Energy Management Systems (EMS) and their potential to optimize energy demand and minimize harmful emissions in waterborne transport through adaptive control, Machine Learning (ML), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This includes increasing vessel efficiency through assessments and integration of power conversion, energy storage, Waste Heat Recovery (WHR), machinery prognostics, system simulations, variable speed electric motors, and energy micro-grid architectures. Real-time exhaust gas monitoring for particulates, SOx, NOx, and GHG emissions is also within the scope.

Proposals are expected to address the following aspects: Development, adaptation, and integration of real-time monitoring solutions for continuous mapping of ship operating profiles, energy flows, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, as well as SOx, NOx and other polluting emissions (e.g., emissions from methane slip), including the assessment of potential ammonia environmental footprint; Development of advanced monitoring, supervision and forecasting models, by capitalizing on AI and ML capacities for real-time data analysis and feedback, considering both internal and external data sources; comprehensive machine learning and machine reasoning models should enable intelligent vessel performance monitoring and supervision, vessel operation optimisation and planning; Design of centralised or modular ship energy architecture, including micro-grid architectures, applicable to a variety of commercial ship types, and adaptive energy management systems to improve the overall vessel energy efficiency, through energy demand reduction and energy supply efficiency; Showcase the flexibility of the adaptive energy management system using simulation methods for different vessels having various propulsion system types, operating in a wide range of environmental conditions; Assessment of design, including retrofitting, and operational measures and controls by focusing on three (3) complementary case studies, on, Inland Waterways Transportation (IWT), coastal shipping and Deep-Sea Shipping (DSS), aiming at maximising vessel efficiency, in the context of designing for efficiency.

This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Zero Emission Waterborne Transport’ (ZEWT). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on results to the European Partnership ‘Zero Emission Waterborne Transport’ (ZEWT) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs.

Key technologies and research areas include: Energy Management Systems (EMS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Machine Reasoning, power conversion systems, energy storage systems, Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) systems, machinery prognostics, system simulations, variable speed electric motors, energy micro-grid architectures, exhaust gas monitoring, real-time sensors, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction, SOx and NOx emissions regulatory framework, ship design concepts, retrofitting, Inland Waterways Transportation (IWT), coastal shipping and Deep-Sea Shipping (DSS).

The general conditions for this opportunity include: Admissibility Conditions regarding proposal page limits and layout as described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form. Eligible Countries as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Other Eligible Conditions as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion as described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. Evaluation and award criteria, scoring, and thresholds as described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. Submission and evaluation processes as described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement as described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. Legal and financial set-up of the grants, with eligible costs taking the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021.

Specific conditions for this opportunity are Not applicable.

Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA) information: Application form templates are available in the Submission System, including the Standard application form (HE RIA, IA). Evaluation form templates will be used with necessary adaptations, including the Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA). Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide. The Model Grant Agreement (MGA) is the Lump Sum MGA. Call-specific instructions include a Detailed budget table (HE LS) and guidance on lump sums.

Additional documents include: HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 1. General Introduction, HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility, HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 14. General Annexes, HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions, and Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement.

The budget overview for this topic in 2025 is 4,000,000 EUR with a single stage, opening on 2025-05-06 and a deadline on 2025-09-04, and an indicative number of 1 grant.

There are 5 partner search announcements available. LEARs, Account Administrators, and self-registrants can publish partner requests.

To start the submission process, click on the submission button next to the type of action and the type of model grant agreement.

This Horizon Europe funding opportunity aims to revolutionize energy management in waterborne transport by leveraging AI, ML, and advanced monitoring systems. It seeks to optimize fuel consumption, reduce emissions, and enhance vessel efficiency through innovative technologies and design concepts. The projects funded under this call are expected to contribute to the Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) Partnership's goals by developing and implementing real-time, adaptive energy management solutions for various types of ships and operational conditions. This will involve integrating new fuel types, power conversion systems, energy storage, and waste heat recovery, as well as improving ship design and operational measures. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly waterborne transport sector.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, based on the nature of Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA), eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, and other organizations capable of conducting research and innovation activities. Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) are also mentioned, which may involve a broader range of entities including NGOs and public sector bodies.

Funding Type: The primary financial mechanism is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant. The call includes both Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA), as well as Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), all funded through lump sum contributions.

Consortium Requirement: The text does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required. However, given the scope and complexity of the projects, particularly the Innovation Actions and Research and Innovation Actions, a consortium is highly probable. The presence of a partner search tool further suggests that collaborative projects are encouraged.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The primary geographic eligibility is focused on EU and associated countries. However, the text mentions that "A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects." Therefore, some third-country participation is possible, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Target Sector: The program targets the waterborne transport sector, with a focus on climate, energy, and mobility. Specific areas include: Energy Management Systems (EMS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) systems, machinery prognostics, system simulations, variable speed electric motors, energy micro-grid architectures, exhaust gas monitoring (particulates, SOx, NOx, GHG emissions), and alternative fuels.

Mentioned Countries: The text refers to "EU and associated countries" and "non-EU/non-Associated Countries". No specific countries are named, but the geographic scope includes the European Union and countries associated with the Horizon Europe program, with possibilities for third-country participation under specific conditions.

Project Stage: The project stages range from research and development (RIA) to innovation and demonstration (IA). The call also includes Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), which suggests that projects can be at various stages of maturity, from early-stage coordination to more advanced innovation and deployment.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary significantly depending on the specific topic and type of action (RIA, IA, CSA). The budget overview provides the following ranges:
HORIZON Innovation Actions (IA): EUR 4,000,000 to EUR 22,500,000
HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (RIA): EUR 4,000,000 to EUR 15,000,000
HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (CSA): EUR 1,600,000 to EUR 4,500,000

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.

Application Stages: The application process is a single-stage process.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement. However, Horizon Europe Innovation Actions typically require some level of co-funding, while Research and Innovation Actions may not.

Summary:

This Horizon Europe call, under Cluster 5 and the Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) Partnership, seeks to fund projects that develop and implement real-time, adaptive, and innovative energy management solutions to optimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions in the waterborne transport sector. The call encompasses a range of activities, including Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Innovation Actions (IA), and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA).

The primary goal is to enhance vessel efficiency and reduce environmental impact through the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, ML, innovative energy storage, waste heat recovery, and real-time exhaust gas monitoring. Projects should focus on developing and adapting monitoring solutions, advanced forecasting models, and centralized or modular ship energy architectures.

The call encourages projects to showcase the flexibility of adaptive energy management systems through simulation methods and to assess design and operational measures across three complementary case studies: Inland Waterways Transportation (IWT), coastal shipping, and Deep-Sea Shipping (DSS).

Eligible applicants include a variety of organizations such as universities, research institutes, SMEs, and large enterprises, with potential participation from non-EU/non-associated countries. Funding is provided as lump sum grants, with amounts varying based on the type of action, ranging from EUR 1.6 million to EUR 22.5 million. The application process is a single-stage open call, with a deadline of September 4, 2025. Successful projects will be expected to report their results to the European Partnership ‘Zero Emission Waterborne Transport’ (ZEWT) to support the monitoring of its KPIs.