A multi-partner European consortium currently being established is seeking a "shipowner willing to test innovative solutions on their electric vessel" for the call titled “HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-18: Enhanced electric operation and battery durability (ZEWT Partnership)”. Included under the Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport area within the "Cluster 5 2026-2027 Work Programme"—which will be open for project submissions between December 15, 2026, and April 14, 2027—this call is an Innovation Action (IA) type topic that will support two projects with a budget of €10 million each, aiming to reach Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL 8) by project completion.
The call aims to improve the suitability of ferries, short-sea shipping, offshore, and inland vessels for full-electric operations by developing solutions that offer enhanced range, fast charging, and high power capacity. In doing so, it targets optimizing battery lifespan and safety, integrating life-cycle management into the design phase, and standardizing vessel-to-port charging integration.
Vessel Requirements:
Vessel type: Ferry, short-sea shipping, offshore vessel, or inland vessel
Vessel size: 400–6,500 GT (Gross Tonnage)
Electric operation: Capability to operate fully electrically
Peak propulsion power: At least 5 MW
Electric range: 150 nautical miles in full-electric mode (or 277.8 km for inland vessels)
Target TRL (Technology Readiness Level): TRL 8 at project completion
Although the call for partners specifically targets shipowners, forms submitted by other stakeholders who can contribute to this call will also be shared with the international consortium. However, partners who can bring a vessel to the project will hold an advantage.
Interested organizations are expected to complete the English Expression of Interest Form via the provided link and submit it by email to ncptransport@tubitak.gov.tr no later than September 16, 2026, at 16:00. Following the submission of information to the coordinator, we (the relevant National Contact Points) will contact organizations receiving positive feedback, and online meetings will be organized if agreed upon.