Imagine giving a small fishing boat a hybrid engine, similar to a Prius, to cut down on fuel and smog. It also uses a special 'non-stick' paint on the hull to help the boat glide through water more easily and keep the ocean cleaner. Sensors on board act like a fitness tracker, showing the crew exactly how to drive to save the most money and energy.
Small-scale fishing boats rely on fossil fuels that cause high emissions and environmental damage. There is a lack of proven, integrated low-carbon technology packages specifically sized for vessels in the 8.5 to 11.5 ton range.
A suite of retrofit packages including HVO-ready hybrid drivetrains, battery systems, electro-hydraulic equipment, and polymer-based anti-fouling coatings.
If you are a boat retrofit specialist dealing with high demand for green upgrades — this project developed HVO-ready diesel-electric hybrid drivetrains and electro-hydraulic equipment that reduce fossil fuel consumption. You can implement these proven retrofit packages on vessels between 8.5 and 11.5 tons.
If you are a coating producer dealing with strict pollution laws — this project developed durable polymer-based surface coatings that prevent fouling and reduce copper pollution. These coatings reduce drag and improve engine performance, as demonstrated by long-term monitoring in Norway.
If you are a software provider dealing with a lack of operational data for small boats — this project developed SIMUL and CAN-based logging systems. These sensors provide long-term data on fuel use and emissions to help crews change their sailing behavior for better efficiency.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost figures for the retrofit packages are not provided.
The project specifically focuses on small-scale fishing boats between 8.5 and 11.5 tons. Based on available project data, it is not yet confirmed if these specific solutions scale to larger vessels.
Based on available project data, the IP and licensing terms are not disclosed, though the project involves 6 industrial partners and 5 SMEs.
The project supports the EU Mission 'Restore Our Ocean & Waters' by reducing CO2, NOx, SOx, and particle emissions from small vessels.
The project runs from 2024-05-01 to 2028-04-30, with demonstrations already underway on four vessels in Denmark, Estonia, Norway, and Sweden.
The consortium is heavily weighted toward practical application, featuring 16 partners from 8 countries. With 6 industrial partners and 5 SMEs (a 38% industry ratio) and zero universities, the project is driven by commercial viability and technical implementation rather than academic theory.
Contact NORDDANMARKS EU-KONTOR in Denmark
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