CFPs: The North Sea Region as a Lighthouse for Sustainable Shipping (Denmark)

The VELUX FOUNDATION is inviting research and knowledge-building proposals that develop solutions for protecting ocean health and strengthening climate resilience in the North Sea region. The grant supports interdisciplinary projects addressing shipping impacts, marine biodiversity protection, ecosystem-based governance, and sustainable maritime development, with funding available between DKK 3 million and DKK 10 million per project.

Overview of the VELUX FOUNDATION Ocean Research Grant

The VELUX FOUNDATION Ocean Health and Climate Resilience Grant supports research projects that address critical challenges affecting marine ecosystems in the North Sea region.

The programme aims to generate scientific knowledge, practical solutions, and governance approaches that help create a sustainable balance between:

• Marine ecosystem protection.
• Climate change adaptation.
• Biodiversity conservation.
• Sustainable economic activities.
• Shipping sector decarbonization.

The funding opportunity focuses on projects that strengthen understanding of ocean pressures and develop solutions for long-term marine sustainability.

Purpose of the Funding Opportunity

The main goal of the call is to support research and knowledge-building initiatives that contribute to:

• Healthier marine ecosystems.
• Climate-resilient oceans.
• Sustainable shipping practices.
• Evidence-based marine governance.
• Ecosystem-based management approaches.

VELUX FOUNDATION seeks projects that combine environmental science, technology, policy, and social knowledge to address complex ocean challenges.

Why the North Sea Region Matters

The North Sea is one of Europe’s most important marine ecosystems.

It is:

• A biologically rich transition zone between the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea.
• A highly productive marine environment supporting diverse food webs.
• A major economic region supporting global trade and offshore industries.

The region supports:

• International shipping routes.
• Offshore wind development.
• Carbon capture and storage infrastructure.
• Marine food systems.
• Energy transition activities.

However, increasing human activity is placing significant pressure on marine ecosystems.

Key Environmental Challenges in the North Sea

Scientific assessments indicate that the North Sea faces increasing ecological pressures, including:

• Biodiversity loss.
• Habitat disturbance.
• Pollution.
• Climate impacts.
• Increasing industrial activity.
• Cumulative ecosystem pressures.

These challenges require improved scientific knowledge and coordinated management strategies.

Research Themes Supported by the Grant

The call focuses on four major research areas.

1. Understanding Shipping Impacts on the North Sea

Projects may investigate:

• Environmental impacts caused by shipping activities.
• Contribution of shipping to cumulative ecosystem pressure.
• Effects of maritime transport on marine biodiversity.
• Interactions between shipping and climate change.

2. Management and Mitigation of Shipping Impacts

Research can explore solutions such as:

• Reducing underwater noise pollution.
• Preventing habitat damage.
• Limiting harmful emissions and discharges.
• Managing invasive species spread.
• Developing environmentally responsible shipping practices.

3. Governance and Marine Spatial Planning Tools

Projects may develop:

• Decision-support systems.
• Marine spatial planning approaches.
• Ecosystem-based governance frameworks.
• Policy tools for sustainable ocean management.

The aim is to improve decision-making by integrating scientific evidence with environmental priorities.

4. Trade-offs and Mitigation Measures

Research may examine:

• Balancing economic development with biodiversity protection.
• Impacts of new shipping technologies.
• Risks associated with alternative fuels.
• Climate and biodiversity trade-offs.
• Sustainable solutions for maritime industries.

Connection Between Shipping and Climate Transition

Shipping plays an important role in the global green transition by supporting:

• International transportation.
• Renewable energy development.
• Offshore infrastructure.
• Global supply chains.

However, shipping also creates environmental challenges, including:

• Greenhouse gas emissions.
• Underwater noise.
• Habitat disruption.
• Pollution risks.
• Spread of non-native marine species.

Current shipping decarbonization efforts often focus mainly on reducing emissions, while biodiversity impacts and ecosystem pressures require additional attention.

Research Approach Expected from Applicants

VELUX FOUNDATION encourages projects that:

• Use interdisciplinary research methods.
• Combine scientific and practical knowledge.
• Develop innovative solutions.
• Support collaboration between institutions.
• Build long-term capacity for sustainable ocean management.

Projects should contribute to practical improvements in marine governance and conservation.

Who Is Eligible?

The call is intended for organisations and research institutions working on:

• Marine science.
• Climate research.
• Biodiversity conservation.
• Environmental governance.
• Sustainable development.
• Ocean management.

Eligible applicants should demonstrate:

• Research capacity.
• Relevant expertise.
• Ability to deliver knowledge-based solutions.
• Collaboration potential across disciplines.

Funding Amount

The total available budget under this funding call is:

• DKK 29 million

Applicants can request:

• Minimum funding: DKK 3 million
• Maximum funding: DKK 10 million

Funding supports eligible research and knowledge-building activities.

Expected Project Outcomes

Successful projects should contribute to:

• Better understanding of marine ecosystem challenges.
• Improved climate and biodiversity strategies.
• Sustainable shipping solutions.
• Stronger marine governance.
• Evidence-based decision-making.

Projects should help demonstrate how the North Sea can become a model region for combining:

• Climate action.
• Biodiversity protection.
• Sustainable economic development.

Why This Grant Matters

Ocean ecosystems are facing increasing pressure from climate change and human activities. Sustainable ocean management requires solutions that consider environmental, economic, and social factors together.

This grant supports research that can:

• Protect marine biodiversity.
• Improve climate resilience.
• Guide sustainable maritime development.
• Strengthen cooperation between scientific and societal actors.

How to Prepare a Strong Proposal

Applicants should focus on:

• Clearly defining the marine challenge being addressed.
• Explaining how the research supports ocean sustainability.
• Demonstrating practical relevance.
• Showing interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Providing a realistic implementation plan.
• Highlighting long-term impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposals without clear environmental impact.
• Projects focusing only on emissions without considering biodiversity.
• Weak connections between research and practical solutions.
• Limited collaboration between relevant stakeholders.
• Insufficient explanation of long-term benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the VELUX FOUNDATION Ocean Health Grant?

It is a funding programme supporting research and knowledge-building projects that develop solutions for marine ecosystem protection and climate resilience in the North Sea region.

What topics does the grant support?

The grant supports research on shipping impacts, marine biodiversity, ecosystem-based governance, marine spatial planning, and sustainable shipping transition.

How much funding can applicants request?

Applicants can request between DKK 3 million and DKK 10 million per project.

What is the total funding available?

The total budget available under the call is DKK 29 million.

Why is shipping a major focus of the programme?

Shipping is essential for economic development and the green transition but also contributes to pollution, habitat disturbance, underwater noise, and biodiversity pressures.

What type of projects are encouraged?

Projects that combine research, innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions for sustainable ocean management are encouraged.

What is the main goal of the programme?

The goal is to create healthier oceans by developing knowledge and solutions that integrate climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable maritime development.

Conclusion

The VELUX FOUNDATION Ocean Health and Climate Resilience Grant provides a major opportunity for researchers and institutions to develop innovative solutions for protecting the North Sea ecosystem. By supporting interdisciplinary research on shipping impacts, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable marine governance, the programme aims to create a future where climate resilience and ocean health are achieved together.