MOBILITY (HORIZON-CL5-2027-03)

Ufuk Avrupa (Horizon Europe) — HORIZON-CL5-2027-03: 11 konu, en yakın son başvuru 14 Nisan 2027.

Önemli Bilgiler

• Program / Kurum: Ufuk Avrupa (Horizon Europe) — Avrupa Komisyonu
• Kimler başvurabilir: Akademisyenler ve araştırmacılar
• Başvuru başlangıcı: 15 Aralık 2026
• Son başvuru tarihi: 14 Nisan 2027
• Başvuru adresi: ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/oppor…
• Resmî duyuru: ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/oppor…

Çağrı Metni (özgün dilinde)

Ufuk Avrupa (Horizon Europe) kapsamındaki HORIZON-CL5-2027-03 çağrısında 15 Aralık 2026 tarihinde başvuruya açılacak 11 konu bulunmaktadır. Başvurular AB Fon ve İhale Portalı üzerinden konu sayfasındaki "Start submission" ile yapılır.

Konu açıklamaları (Topic description)

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-18 — Enhanced electric operation and battery durability (ZEWT Partnership)

Son başvuru: 14 Nisan 2027 · Eylem türü: HORIZON Innovation Actions · Konu bütçesi: 20.000.000 € · Beklenen proje sayısı: 2

Expected Outcome:

Project outputs and results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:

1. Demonstrate autonomy, of at least 150 nm (or 277.8 KM for inland navigation) using electrical storage as the only energy source, while allowing rapid in-route zero-emission replenishment.
2. Increase the power output, providing beyond 5 MW as peak propulsion power with corresponding grid capacity.
3. Improve systems to increase the number charging cycles combined with high-power charging to suit the operation needs of different ship types and services.
4. Identify the operating profiles and business cases for which electric powered shipping will bring significant improvements taking into account the priorities and provisions of the Fitfor55 package, especially FuelEU Maritime, Naiades III, AFIR and RED.
5. Develop solutions fitting different ship types and their operational profiles and provide roadmaps for replication.
6. Address the degradation and failure in specific maritime operating conditions.
7. Improved lifetime and safe use of batteries in waterborne transport by addressing the operation profiles, degradation and failure modes associated with unique waterborne transport operating conditions.

Scope:

This topic aims to improve the suitability of fully-battery-electric operation of ferries, short sea shipping, offshore and inland vessels, considering the services they provide, their operation profiles and the possibilities to interact with charging infrastructure. Aspects like increasing the autonomy range of operation and fast charging are a crucial element for short sea shipping and inland routes with short docking periods. Fast charging may also put added strain on batteries in terms of output and durability. Optimization of the onboard electrical architecture and battery chemistry as well as optimized battery monitoring and management systems and more extensive training of crew can to some extent address this challenge. Life cycle aspects should be considered by design in the integration and operation of vessels, as well as the end-of-life of batteries, making sure that operations can be performed during the whole expected life of the vessel. The topic also explores the need to increase the power capability of fully electric vessels, aiming to define scenarios in which the increase of the peak propulsion power is needed to ensure the safety of operations. Proposals should cover the interface between vessels and port operations addressing the regulatory requirements, including operational procedures.

Proposals should address all the following aspects:

• Full scale demonstration of innovative solutions for extended range and extended battery cycles beyond simple scaling up of existing commercial batteries. Solutions to increase the current operational range of electric vessels to at least 150 nm (or 277.8 KM for inland navigation) for short-sea shipping, ferries, offshore of 400-6500 GT vessels, or 86-135 meters for inland river vessels on free-flowing rivers upstream, allowing rapid in route charging and being applicable to representative operating conditions of the chosen ship. Demonstration of the vessel’s economic viability in normal operation. Demonstrations should also consider baseline reference which are already state of the art
• Identifying the operational profiles and services that require higher energy output for safe and effective operation, developing solutions and modelling scenarios to ensure safe and efficient energy management and navigation taking into account the battery pack and recharging possibilities.
• Incorporating energy-efficiency measures, including but not limited to, efficient AC-DC grid, thermal management, high voltage electrical components, energy management and energy modelling for optimal operation.
• Implementation of vessel‑wide adaptive energy‑management solutions that coordinate battery, propulsion and hotel loads, maximising cycle life while minimising emissions.
• Development of solutions for intelligent and optimized battery management to improve energy efficiency and life extension of the batteries. Furthermore, projects should consider life cycle aspects by design and address the end-of-life of batteries to ensure full electric operation during and beyond the planned operation of the vessel.
• Creating concepts for rapid zero-emission in-route charging, fast charging, offshore charging or battery replenishment, including solutions capable of supplying power to idling vessels anchored offshore near ports, while maintaining desired operating schedules, adhering to current standards.
• Encouraging modular design and ship retrofitting to facilitate replication of the solution, ideally presenting one full retrofit exercise and several replications in similar or different vessels, also including the needs of the OPS infrastructure.
• Development of recommendations and best practices for the safety assessment of the novel installations based on field testing. This should build on established safety guidelines and requirements such as the Guidance on the Safety of Battery Energy Storage Systems onboard ships (from the European Maritime Safety Agency – EMSA) and the requirements for fixed and swappable batteries on inland vessels (from the European Committee For Drawing Up Standards In The Field Of Inland Navigation – CESNI), as applicable, and contribute to their applicability to a wider scope of novel electrification solutions. Furthermore, recommendations for improving the guidelines and extending them to the demonstrated new battery installation solutions should be presented. Regulatory aspects for the pertinent safety-critical ship systems as well as fire safety solutions for the battery room should also be addressed. In addition, the recommendations should also consider how integration of the safety considerations affects the overall operational planning and economic assessments.
• The plan for exploitation and dissemination of results should identify adequate business cases and provide roadmap for the replication and deployment of the proposed technology, including plans for scalability, commercialization, and deployment. Proposals should identify and propose opportunities for further market uptake.
• Establishment of strong collaboration between industry, training providers and higher education institutions to develop specialized courses on enhanced waterborne transport battery management.

Proposals must justify the contribution of their objectives, results, intellectual property (IP) management and exploitation strategy to the EU added value creation and strategic autonomy throughout the supply and value chain, including competitiveness of the EU waterborne industry, enhancement of the EU’s R&I capacity, technological know-how capabilities and human capital, and resilience of the EU industrial and manufacturing base. Proposals are encouraged to prioritise shipyards, equipment manufacturers and suppliers located in the EU and EEA.

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.

Technology Readiness Level - Technology readiness level expected from completed projects

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-03 — Data-driven circular economy for e-mobility ecosystem (2ZERO Partnership)

Son başvuru: 14 Nisan 2027 · Eylem türü: HORIZON Innovation Actions · Konu bütçesi: 24.000.000 € · Beklenen proje sayısı: 4

Expected Outcome:

Project results are expected to contribute to the improved circularity of end-of-first-life representative EV components (e.g. power electronic converters, rotors, stators of electric motors, thermal management of battery system), and, if relevant EVCI, through accurate and standardised assessment of product data, better design strategies and potential business models.

Further to this, each area has specific expected outcomes as described below.

Expected outcomes area A) Circular economy for Electric Vehicle (EV) powertrains and infrastructure:

Project results are expected to contribute to all the following outcomes:

• Minimized cradle to grave/cradle environmental impact of EV drivetrains (excluding batteries at cell level) and Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI), especially electro-mechanical components and power-electronics, via design strategies for extended lifetime and reduced usage of CRM, and other materials, particularly those that may hamper high quality recycling (e.g. harmful substances), while ensuring high performance and market acceptability.
• Improved repair, recovery, refurbish and re-use of end-of-first-life drivetrain components and EVCI through accurate and standardised assessment of the health and Remaining Useful Life (RUL), which should inform better design strategies and potential business models.

Expected outcomes Area B) Data-driven life-cycle management of Electric Vehicle (EV):

• Digital-twin based circularity product passport on vehicle level, which is interoperable / compatible with the upcoming battery passport and other relevant product passports foreseen in the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).^[1]
• The ability to track & trace linked to representative EV components (e.g. power electronic converters, rotors, stators of electric motors, thermal management of battery system) by enabling advanced data collection, and the definition of minimum data needed for track & trace use in End of Life (EoL) strategies and feedback to design processes.
• Proven concept and business case for the management of data driven product lifecycle across value chains and supply chains along the entire life cycle.

Scope:

Scope area A) Circular economy for Electric Vehicle (EV) powertrains and infrastructure:

Improving the circularity of EVs drivetrain components (such as power electronic converters, rotors, stators of electric motors, gear assemblies and battery components excluding battery cells) and respective charging infrastructure is crucial for resource efficiency, sustainability, and compliance with evolving European regulations. Through durable design, predictive maintenance, refurbishment, etc, it is possible to extend the lifespan of critical components reducing material demand and waste, without jeopardising on the needed performance. Advanced monitoring systems can predict failures, enabling proactive repairs, and to inform improved future design strategies, and potential second life applications. Automated processes coupled with design for dismantling can facilitate efficient component recovery, reducing labour costs and improving material separation for high-value recycling.

The projects are expected to build on the results of projects funded under HORIZON-CL5-2021-D5-01-04, HORIZON-CL5-2022-D5-01-09 and HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-04, as well as to consider the methodologies proposed. They are expected to target at least the same technical performance levels for the electric motor as HORIZON-CL5-2022-D5-01-09 under real-life working conditions, while optimising the design for circularity.

Proposals are expected to address all the following research activities:

• Component health monitoring for individual components on their RUL (first and subsequent) including assessment of preferred circularity strategy and expected impact on EV affordability. This includes considering the impact of wear patterns, material fatigue, and thermal stress to optimise circularity strategies and extend the lifespan of components.
• Develop novel design concepts and processes to optimise material usage and extend components’ lifetime such as design for (automated) dismantling, in particular to reduce dependency on critical raw materials or enable use of alternatives.
• Promote broader Circular Economy (CE) adoption and increase the potential of reuse, repair and refurbishment by respective design criteria, means of standardisation (assessment and relevant interfaces), usage of RUL monitoring and better understanding of market potential.
• Ensure economic and environmental sustainability in the analysis of drivetrain performance and charging infrastructure (e.g. efficiency, package, user driving experience, CRM use, CE).

Scope area B) Data-driven life-cycle management of Electric Vehicle (EV):

Vehicle specific data is crucial for advancing circularity through the 9R-strategies in EVs across their lifecycle. However, this data is often not available nor accessible after vehicle production, or not measured in the use phase. Digital passports and track and trace models can improve accessibility to data, enabling predictive maintenance, lifetime extension, and optimised recycling. Harmonised data-sharing policies are essential to ensure interoperability across value chains while maintaining data security and GDPR compliance. Data governance frameworks must regulate ownership, access, and consent to protect privacy and ensure responsible use. The common European data spaces initiative, notably the common European Green Deal data space, and the Data4Energy expert group^[2] offer a foundation for secure, standardised architectures, ensuring trust and controlled data sharing. Furthermore, efficiency in data collection and storage is also critical. By integrating advanced data strategies, EV manufacturers can unlock new business opportunities and improve efficiency, while complying with regulations.

Proposals are expected to address all the following research activities:

• Development and real-life demonstration of concepts for track & trace for representative EV components (e.g. as power electronic converters, rotors, stators of electric motors, or thermal management of the battery system) ensuring access to, at least, the minimum needed data needed ensuring economic viable upscale and especially agreement on how this data can be accessed to enable/improve life-cycle management. The costs and benefits of tracing these data points should also be considered. Particular efforts should be made to ensure that the data and data management tools produced in the context of this topic are FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable).
• Development and real-life demonstration of concepts for measuring real-world operational loads (mechanical, electrical, thermal) experienced by the representative EV components complemented by operational and environmental usage of EV that are key for life-cycle management and assessment (LCA).
• Develop and demonstrate in real-life conditions API-based approach to data management of use phase and EoL and open interfaces that enable new business models, allow to better quantify circularity improvements, while allowing its sharing across value chains and supply chains, in a secure and privacy-compliant way.
• Concepts and solutions for product passports based on the use of digital twins (e.g. identification of relevant data points, stakeholders, in connection with existing platforms/passports, such as the battery passport, and platforms e.g. IDIS, IMDS, and Catena-X^[3]) while also considering LCA aspects.

This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on the results to the European Partnership ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. The topic is open to both to Light Duty and Heavy-Duty electric vehicles.

Technology Readiness Level - Technology readiness level expected from completed projects

[1] Regulation - EU - 2024/1781 - EN - EUR-Lex

[2] Digitalisation and data exchange are key enablers for a modern and resilient energy system - European Commission; https://ad4gd.eu/

[3] IDIS | The International Dismantling Information System; IMDS | International Material Data System; Catena-X

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-15 — Prospective evaluation of nuclear power potential for shipping (ZEWT Partnership)

Son başvuru: 14 Nisan 2027 · Eylem türü: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions · Konu bütçesi: 2.000.000 € · Beklenen proje sayısı: 1

Expected Outcome:

Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:

1. Drafting of a R&I roadmap towards deploying nuclear power in commercial shipping, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies (e.g. complementing the latest European Industrial Alliance on SMRs technology roadmap^[1]), including identification of research gaps, infrastructures and future innovation needs
2. Mapping of relevant regulatory regimes nationally, regionally and internationally for the use of nuclear-powered shipping, including recommendations on regulatory frameworks and international cooperation.
3. Development of scenarios for the use of the technology, including potential damage scenarios.
4. The implications for National Energy and Climate Plans and National Air Pollution Control Programmes as well as water pollution policies required by EU legislative framework.
5. Assessment of total cost of ownership for the deployment of current and potential technologies.
6. Development of safety, training and operational guidelines for nuclear-powered ships.

Scope:

Nuclear propulsion has the potential to reduce emissions of air pollutants and to decarbonize the shipping sector, producing zero GHG tank-to-wake emissions and low upstream well-to-tank emissions. A coordinated effort among various stakeholders including industry partners, research performing organisations, NGOs, the European Commission, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) should help evaluate such prospective potential. It should benefit from the latest Research and Innovation (R&I) results, technical, socio-economic and environment studies, or initiatives being capitalised at EU and international level, to ensure a comprehensive assessment.

The main objectives are to assess the feasibility, safety, and environmental impact of using nuclear power for shipping to achieve zero-emission of GHG, air and water pollutants in maritime transport. Following a preliminary assessment and literature review, as well as detailed technical and economic studies regulatory and technical recommendations should be developed, along with a review of on-going pilot projects aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of nuclear-powered vessels.

The project should help evaluate the technical, economic, regulatory, environmental and social aspects of deploying nuclear power in commercial shipping, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies.

Actions should address all the following aspects:

1. Technical Feasibility: a) To assess the suitability of SMRs and other nuclear technologies for maritime use; b) To evaluate any integration challenges with existing and potential new ship designs, including modular designs.; c) To study the lifecycle of nuclear-powered vessels, including construction, operation, and decommissioning.
2. Economic Viability: a) To conduct cost-benefit analyses comparing nuclear-powered shipping to conventional and renewable low and zero-carbon fuel options, taking into account the long-term availability of fuel and the cost of disposal of residues; b) To evaluate infrastructure requirements in the EU, such as port facilities for nuclear vessels; c) Mapping full costs for a nuclear propelled ship on a life cycle basis.
3. Safety and Security: a) To develop safety protocols for nuclear-powered ships, including emergency response and accident mitigation; b) To address cybersecurity risks, external threats and proliferation concerns and safety in ports. c) Assessing long-term crew training requirements for nuclear operations, safety and security and their implementation in international training and certification regulations.
4. Environmental Impact: a) To analyze the potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollutants caused by mining, refining, use and disposal of spent nuclear fuel; b) To assess the impact of nuclear waste management, disposal as part of implementation of a circular economy approach; c) To assess the impact of nuclear-powered ships on marine ecosystems addressing in particular water pollutions and by contaminants; d) To analyze possible damage scenarios with a view to liability issues and mitigation of damages.
5. Regulatory and Legal Framework: a) To identify gaps in international maritime law and IAEA nuclear regulations; and b) To propose recommendations related to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)^[2] and other relevant treaties
6. The implications for National Energy and Climate Plans and National Air Pollution Control Programmes required by EU legislative framework.
7. Additionally, a strategy for skills development should be presented, associating social partners and civil society where relevant.

Proposals are expected to demonstrate how their objectives contribute to EU added value and long-term competitiveness in nuclear-powered vessel technologies. This includes enhancing the EU’s R&I capacity, safeguarding critical technological know-how, developing skilled human capital, and reinforcing the resilience of the EU’s industrial and manufacturing base in this strategic sector.

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.

[1] European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors, https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/industry/industrial-alliances/european-industrial-alliance-small-modular-reactors_en

[2] https://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/Pages/International-Convention-for-the-Safety-of-Life-at-Sea-(SOLAS),-1974.aspx

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-04 — Demonstration of zero emission coaches and buses in long distance operations (2ZERO Partnership)

Son başvuru: 14 Nisan 2027 · Eylem türü: HORIZON Innovation Actions · Konu bütçesi: 13.500.000 € · Beklenen proje sayısı: 1

Expected Outcome:

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:

• Integration of the results of the demonstrations in regular operation of passenger transport operators, in long distance operations. Accelerated replication of this integration, beyond original demo partners, using specific recommendations and sharing of best practices
• Reliable operation of long distance zero emission buses and coaches in the EU.
• Improved comfort and inter-modality for long distance people mobility services.
• Demonstrated innovative zero emission solutions for long distance people mobility in a holistic approach taking net congestions challenges and charging solutions into account.

Scope:

Zero emission buses for urban and sub-urban use are successfully implemented in Europe. This has addressed the need to improve air quality, reduce noise and innovate people mobility. Yet there are limitations due to range, vehicle weight and available charging infrastructure to further extend zero emission vehicles in more energy demanding long-distance (ranging from regional, national to transnational) people mobility that needs to be addressed. There is a need to further develop zero-emission solutions where vehicle weight and energy demand are challenges.

Proposed actions are expected to address all of the following aspects:

• Develop sustainable and affordable, long-distance zero emission people mobility solutions for different areas and regions with new and viable business cases based on new operation models and smart management of fleets and of coaches and buses.
• Test and apply concepts, tools and models with direct involvement of European bus/coach providers and operators to speed up deployment. Include the transition from long-distance to urban, in intermodal hubs and with park-and ride.
• Demonstrate using at least 5 coaches and buses in several operational routes in the EU and/or in corridors segments in different Member States and/or Associated Countries, focussing on long-distance operation patterns (average ≥500 km in extra-urban scenarios, in one or more routing).
• Demonstrations must cover aspects such as planning, optimised charging/refuelling schedules, passenger experience, driving time regulations, cross-border trips, charging solutions and impacts on the grid. Replication, recommendations and sharing of best practices shall be part of the demonstrations, as well as the development of new business models and the analysis of remaining legal barriers.
• Develop shared charging solutions that can be used for multiple operators and other vehicle types. Both technical and operational issues must be addressed, as well as “rush hour” at charging stations, balancing demand and supply of energy. The use of charging solutions and shared charging hubs by a variety of mobility and transport operators must be explored, also incorporating seasonal effects and operational demands.
• Based on user needs, develop flexibility in interior design to enhance travel comfort, safety and user experience, thus aiming at making it more appealing and inclusive to use this mode of transport.
• Leverage on other 2Zero projects related to Buses and HDV should be considered.^[1]

This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on the results to the European Partnership ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs.

Technology Readiness Level - Technology readiness level expected from completed projects

[1] Ref Examples are projects funded under CL5-2022-D5-01-10 and CL5-2022-D5-01-08

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-17 — Innovative Solutions for mitigating the environmental impact of waterborne transport in marine and aquatic Ecosystems (ZEWT Partnership)

Son başvuru: 14 Nisan 2027 · Eylem türü: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions · Konu bütçesi: 14.000.000 € · Beklenen proje sayısı: 2

Expected Outcome:

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes.

• Improved water resilience and good environmental and good ecological status in European waters and contribute to the achievement of the European Union's environmental targets, including the European Water Resilience Strategy and the European Ocean Pact. 
• A comprehensive understanding of the future environmental impacts of waterborne transport on marine and other aquatic ecosystems, addressing in particular pollution sources from: i) navigation on renewable low and zero-carbon fuels; and ii) accidental spills of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels for marine waters, inland waters and ports (water and air quality).
• Innovative prevention, abatement and mitigation systems and strategies for reducing and eliminating the harmful impacts of waterborne transport on waters.
• Enhanced pollution prevention and mitigation in marine waters, inland waterways and port areas, reducing the likelihood and impact of accidents involving renewable low and zero-carbon fuels.

Scope:

The European Union aims to protect and conserve its marine and freshwater environments by achieving Good Environmental and Good Ecological Status^[1]. The European Water Resilience Strategy and the European Ocean Pact further emphasize the need to enhance the resilience of European waters to human-induced pressures. Projects like the Horizon Europe EMERGE have researched the impacts of shipping on marine ecosystems. The introduction of technologies to decarbonize the sector may enable, to a certain extent, to phase-out relevant current sources of water and air pollution. However, renewable low and zero-carbon fuels and procedures pose new risks to marine and other aquatic ecosystems like rivers and lakes yet to be explored and addressed, both from the normal function of waterborne transport^[2] and from accidental spills of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels. In addition, other pollution sources can be addressed today^[3]. This topic aims to evaluate, forecast, control and mitigate the impact of waterborne transport on marine and other aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on developing and demonstrating innovative abatement and mitigation systems and strategies to mitigate and eliminate, where possible, the harmful impact of waterborne transport in the ocean and inland waters. New technologies and solutions addressing the decarbonization of waterborne transport will be considered, as well as the potential risks and challenges associated with these.

Actions should address all of the following aspects:

1. Evaluate and forecast the environmental impacts of waterborne transport operations on marine, rivers and other aquatic ecosystems, in particular regarding the effects of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels (with particular attention to accidental spills) and related technologies. The proposal may include testing and experimental work in relation with spills.
2. Develop and demonstrate effective response scenarios, including the associated abatement technologies and any potential new innovative equipment, for managing uncontrolled releases of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels in marine and inland waters or in port areas, including dedicated specific procedures and operational guidelines.
3. Modelling scenarios on water and air pollution sources from each ship types and services running on renewable low and zero carbon fuels.
4. Develop and demonstrate innovative and cost-effective abatement and mitigation systems and strategies to prevent, eliminate and reduce the harmful impacts of the use of renewable low and zero carbon fuels. Relevant TRL5 demonstration of such systems should be done.
5. Identifying training needs and skills requirements to deploy developed solutions, as well as in relation to the management and use of renewable low carbon fuels in ports and on vessels in marine and inland waters, including relevant emergency response preparedness.
6. Develop and demonstrate solutions that improve the resilience of European waters to climate change, pollution, and other human-induced pressures, and contribute to achieving Good Environmental Status and Good Ecological Status in European waters, as well as the objectives of the European Water Resilience Strategy and the European Ocean Pact.
7. Strengthen stakeholder engagement by involving environmental, industry and academic associations, to foster inclusive, future-focused environmental responsibility through sustainable practices.

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.

Technology Readiness Level - Technology readiness level expected from completed projects

[1] As per the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Water Framework Directive

[2] e.g. new abatement systems, atmospheric deposition and impact of air pollution in waters, etc

[3] Notably antifouling coatings, discharges of hazardous substances from wastewater and spread of invasive species through hulls or ballast water

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-16 — Autonomous vessels in short sea shipping and inland waterways

Son başvuru: 14 Nisan 2027 · Eylem türü: HORIZON Innovation Actions · Konu bütçesi: 15.000.000 € · Beklenen proje sayısı: 2

Expected Outcome:

Project outputs and results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:

1. Demonstration of remote-control operation of vessels without crew, controlled remotely (degree three^[1]).
2. Development of concepts for fully autonomous ship where the operating system on the vessel is able to make decisions and determine actions by itself (degree four^[2]).
3. Strengthen market confidence in the integration of remote and automated navigation in ship types and services that may see a shortage of workforce in the next decade.
4. Contribute to the EU Port Strategy and the EU Industrial Waterborne Strategy, as well as the EU AI Continent Action Plan^[3] and the upcoming EU Apply AI Strategy.

Scope:

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) have been the focus for several projects both with EU-funding and individual countries but a major breakthrough leading to extensive deployment and widespread commercial maturity are still not achieved. Autonomous vessels can offer safer and more efficient operations and cost savings. New skills and training needed for MASS is a critical issue to ensure safe operations.

Projects are expected to address all the following aspects:

1. Demonstration of two different remotely controlled vessels without seafarers on board, considering the most promising areas of operation and types of ships towards market adoption. The demonstration should be performed in at least one short-sea shipping vessel.
2. Demonstration of two different fully autonomous operation in at least one inland waterway vessel.
3. Demonstrations and concept studies should address the whole navigation voyage, including port calling, mooring, and berthing, potential offshore charging solutions, and passing through locks in all weather conditions^[4].
4. Demonstrations should also include aspects for predictive maintenance, self-diagnostic systems to ensure optimal functioning of the vessel’s equipment and structure
5. Identify and address implementation bottlenecks for relevant ship types, such as data quality and lack of infrastructure related to waterborne transport. Map infrastructure and investment needs for extensive roll-out for automated ships operations
6. Appropriate steps to ensure sufficient cyber risk management of the systems and infrastructure used when conducting trials^[5].
7. Address standardization needs and possible safeguards to secure data-integrity and cyber security. Provide recommendations to the relevant regulatory bodies.
8. Address the risk of unlawful data transfer to third-countries outside the borders of the EU/EEA and the impacts it could have on EU fleets.
9. Integrate ongoing legal processes at EU level and at the IMO related to inland automated vessels and MASS i.e., MASS Code, Search&Rescue and Remote Operating Centres.
10. Address safety considerations (using EMSA’s Risk Based Assessment Methodology) and upskilling of port and vessel operators.
11. Assess the net carbon impact of autonomous vessels, taking into account the devices and data processing needed to operate them and potential emissions saved, and ensure no significant harm to biodiversity. If applicable, the calculation method to assess the net impact of digital solutions from the European Green Digital Coalition (EGDC) could be used.
12. Projects should exceed outcomes of previous or on-going projects in relevant ship types.
13. Model the economic viability of the developed solutions, considering initial investment, operational savings, maintenance costs, and potential financial incentives, to assess the economic feasibility while also facilitating decision-making in the design process. All while considering the societal aspects of future shortening workforce.

Proposals are expected to explain the contribution of their objectives, results, IP management and exploitation strategy to the EU added value creation and strategic autonomy throughout the supply and value chain, including competitiveness of the EU waterborne industry, enhancement of the EU’s R&I capacity, technological know-how capabilities and human capital, and resilience of the EU industrial and manufacturing base. Proposals are encouraged to prioritise shipyards, equipment manufacturers and providers located and/or manufacturing in the EU and EEA.

Technology Readiness Level - Technology readiness level expected from completed projects

[1] 100th session of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 100): Remotely controlled ship without seafarers on board: The ship is controlled and operated from another location. There are no seafarers on board.

For inland navigation purposes, the demonstration should allow for demonstration on the conditions described for degree 3 of automation as described before, as well as, achieving degree 3 and aiming for degree 4 of automation under the 2022 CCNR Explanatory note related to the international definition of levels of automation in inland navigation - https://www.ccr-zkr.org/files/documents/AutomatisationNav/Note_explicative_en.pdf

[2] 100th session of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 100): Fully autonomous ship: The operating system of the ship is able to make decisions and determine actions by itself.

For inland navigation purposes, the demonstration should allow for demonstration on the conditions described for degree 4 and aiming for degree 5 of automation under the 2022 CCNR Explanatory note related to the international definition of levels of automation in inland navigation - https://www.ccr-zkr.org/files/documents/AutomatisationNav/Note_explicative_en.pdf

[3] COM(2025)165

[4] Proposals should build upon the results of HE projects DYNAPORT and MISSION on port call optimisation.

[5] Proposals should build upon the results of HE projects AUTOFLEX and FOREMAST, and just starting WARRANT and D-NAVIO.

Son başvurusu en yakın 6 konunun açıklaması yukarıdadır; diğer konular için tablodaki bağlantıları kullanınız.

Bilgiler resmî duyurudan derlenmiştir; başvuru öncesinde güncel koşulları resmî duyurudan kontrol ediniz.