The European Union’s commitment to collaborative research and innovation is making its mark.

Technologies developed through Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programmes are now scaling up with support from the Innovation Fund, ensuring Europe leads the way in tackling climate challenges and laying the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future.

Transformative waterborne projects supported by EU R&I

1. SUSTAINSEA – Reducing maritime transport CO2 emissions using wind

Spanish startup Bound 4 Blue, incubated by the European Space Agency and supported by the EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator programme, developed wind-assisted propulsion systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport. The company secured further funding through Horizon Europe, including participation in the collaborative research project RETROFIT55, which advanced wind-assisted ship propulsion, and the ZHENIT project, focusing on wingsail propulsion for zero-waste heat vessels. The company is also involved in the SeaStars project, which demonstrates greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy efficiency improvements across eight market-ready vessel designs. In addition, it is also participating in the TwinShip project, which aims to accelerate the maritime industry’s digital and environmental transformation toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. The wind-assisted propulsion technology is now being deployed in five large cargo vessels under the Innovation Fund-supported SUSTAINSEA project. This initiative will help reduce emissions by up to 91% while lowering dependence on fossil fuels.

2. SOL – Sugar Oil as sustainable marine fueLs

Vertoro BV, a pioneer in sustainable biofuels, created a fuel called Crude Sugar Oil (CSO™) using cellulose. In its journey the company was supported by various EU research programmes in the following three collaborative research projects. Under Horizon 2020, the IDEALFUEL project studied how lignin, a byproduct of biomass, could be converted into renewable bio-HFO fuel for use in maritime fleets. The EHLCATHOL project worked on innovative methods to transform lignin waste into high-quality liquid fuels. Under Horizon Europe, the CARBIOW project explored advanced approaches to utilizing bioenergy sources for fuel production. These projects have contributed to a broader understanding of renewable fuel technologies. Today, with Innovation Fund backing, the SOL project is validating and scaling this fuel for use in shipping, achieving more than an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fuels.

3. GREENMOTRIL – Development and operation of a GREEN energy community in the port of MOTRIL

Cuerva is an energy company playing a key role in advancing smart renewable energy solutions with the support of several EU-funded programs by participating in the following five collaborative research projects. Through Horizon 2020, the SYNERGY project developed a Big Energy Data Platform and AI Analytics Marketplace, while the BEYOND project worked on a data management platform with advanced AI tools. Under Horizon Europe, Cuerva continued exploring energy innovation with the COCOON project, which focuses on creating adaptive cyber-physical protection strategies, and the ODEON project, introducing a federated framework for transforming the energy landscape. Additionally, the TwinEU project is delivering a digital replica of energy infrastructure, further supporting smart energy management.

These diverse projects set the stage for GREENMOTRIL, funded by the Innovation Fund, which is transforming the Port of Motril into Europe’s first off-grid seaport powered entirely by renewable energy.

4. IRIS – Innovative low caRbon hydrogen and methanol productIon by large Scale carbon capture

Motor Oil (Hellas) has been actively engaged in driving innovation in carbon capture and sustainable fuels, supported by EU funding in the following four collaborative research projects. Under Horizon 2020, the CARMOF project focused on developing a new, efficient process for CO₂ capture. Following this, Horizon Europe funded the AURORA project, which accelerated the deployment of integrated carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) chains using solvent-based technology. In 2023, the COREU project worked on establishing open-access networks to connect CO₂ emitters with storage sites, while the SAFeCRAFT project showcased the safety and efficiency of sustainable alternative fuels for maritime transport. These efforts paved the way for the IRIS project, now supported by the Innovation Fund. This initiative is scaling up carbon capture at an industrial facility in Greece, with plans to produce 10,000 tonnes of e-methanol annually for use as an energy carrier in mobility and industrial applications.

These projects demonstrate the tangible impact of EU research investments in creating meaningful change. The collaborative research parts of Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe have built a bridge from innovative ideas to large-scale action. From clean fuels to off-grid ports, these solutions tackle some of today’s toughest environmental challenges.

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