The European Commission is seeking proposals to develop a fishing vessel equipped with alternative propulsion technologies and improved energy performance.
The “demonstrator” vessel should foster energy transition in the fisheries sector, and has a budget of 2.2 million euro, drawn from EU pilot project funds.
The Commission lists the expected impacts as:
To develop and demonstrate viable solutions for fishing vessels which improve the energy performance, including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and costs;
To increase knowledge on the challenges, benefits and impacts (including economic, environmental and in terms of health and safety of fishers) of different technologies aimed to improve the energy and emissions performance of fishing vessels;
To strengthen understanding of the potential to adapt existing technologies to the fishing sector;
To raise awareness of and broaden the possibilities offered to fishers to become more energy efficient and initiate the energy transition of fishing vessels.
It says long term expected impacts include:
- Improving the resilience and economic viability of the EU fishing fleet;
- Improving understanding of technical, social, legal, regulatory and policy barriers to energy transition in fisheries;
- Reduced fuel consumption and GHG emissions from fishing vessels and improved energy efficiency in their range of activities;
- Accelerating the adoption of new technologies in the fisheries to foster energy transition;
- Improving the business environment and raising awareness among investors.
The closing date for proposals is June 11th, and more details are here.