Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The Maritime Low Emission Network (MarLEN) 2026 Call supports transnational research and innovation projects that accelerate the development and deployment of zero-emission waterborne transport technologies. The programme promotes international collaboration among industry, research organisations, ports, and maritime stakeholders to advance sustainable shipping, maritime decarbonisation, and Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) solutions.
MarLEN aims to strengthen European maritime research cooperation, support innovative clean shipping technologies, and facilitate the transition toward climate-neutral maritime transport through industrial research, experimental development, and real-world demonstration projects.
Overview
The Maritime Low Emission Network (MarLEN) is a European transnational initiative established to support collaborative research and innovation activities that contribute to the decarbonisation of waterborne transport. The programme builds upon previous ERA-NET maritime initiatives and seeks to create a long-term framework for cooperation among European ministries, funding agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders involved in maritime innovation.
The 2026 call focuses on accelerating the transition toward Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) by funding projects that develop, test, validate, and demonstrate innovative technologies capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen coordination between national and regional research programmes, improve the effectiveness of maritime research investments, and enhance Europe’s global competitiveness in sustainable maritime technologies.
Objectives and Focus Areas
The MarLEN 2026 Call supports projects that contribute to the development of a cleaner, more sustainable maritime sector.
Key objectives include:
- Strengthening the European Research Area in maritime research and innovation.
- Advancing Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT).
- Promoting international cooperation and transnational collaboration.
- Identifying and addressing gaps in maritime research activities.
- Creating critical mass in strategic maritime research domains.
- Improving the cost-effectiveness of maritime research programmes.
- Developing common approaches for research prioritisation, evaluation, monitoring, and impact assessment.
- Enhancing the competitiveness of European maritime industries.
- Supporting innovation throughout the entire value chain from scientific research to commercial deployment.
Priority Research Themes
Projects should address innovative solutions that contribute to reducing emissions from waterborne transport.
Priority themes include:
- Sustainable alternative marine fuels.
- Electrification of vessels and maritime operations.
- Energy-efficient propulsion and onboard systems.
- Vessel design optimisation and retrofitting solutions.
- Maritime digitalisation and smart shipping technologies.
- Green and sustainable port infrastructure.
- Energy storage systems for maritime applications.
- Digital twins for vessel and operational optimisation.
- Bunkering technologies and infrastructure.
- Renewable energy integration for maritime transport.
- Grid integration and power conversion systems.
- Zero-emission operational decision-support systems.
- Maritime scenario modelling and simulation tools.
- Demonstration projects for green shipping corridors.
Eligible Activities
The programme supports a broad range of research, development, validation, and demonstration activities.
Eligible activities may include:
- Industrial research.
- Experimental development.
- Technology design and development.
- Prototype creation and testing.
- Pilot-scale implementation projects.
- Technology validation in operational environments.
- Demonstration and deployment activities.
- Maritime decarbonisation solutions.
- Collaborative innovation projects involving industry and research organisations.
Projects should demonstrate clear innovation potential and contribute to measurable reductions in maritime emissions.
Green Shipping Corridor Demonstrations
The call places particular emphasis on demonstration-oriented projects that facilitate the practical deployment of zero-emission maritime technologies.
Green shipping corridor projects may include:
- Real-world technology demonstrations.
- Deployment of alternative fuel solutions.
- Port-based clean energy infrastructure.
- Integration of renewable energy systems.
- Operational testing of zero-emission vessels.
- Cross-border maritime sustainability initiatives.
Projects are expected to involve ports, shipping operators, and other key stakeholders to ensure practical implementation and accelerate market adoption.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants may include:
- Companies and industrial enterprises.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Research organisations.
- Universities and higher education institutions.
- Maritime technology developers.
- Innovation centres.
- Public and private sector stakeholders involved in maritime research and innovation.
SME participation is strongly encouraged due to its importance in driving technological innovation and commercialisation within the maritime sector.
All applicants must comply with the eligibility requirements established by their respective national funding organisations.
Consortium Requirements
Projects must be implemented through transnational partnerships.
Minimum consortium requirements include:
- At least two independent legal entities.
- Partners from at least two participating countries.
- One designated consortium coordinator.
- Compliance with national funding and eligibility requirements.
Consortia that combine expertise from industry, academia, ports, shipping operators, and technology providers are likely to strengthen project impact and implementation potential.
Why This Matters
Maritime transport is essential to global trade but remains a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving climate neutrality in the maritime sector requires substantial innovation in fuels, vessel technologies, infrastructure, and operational systems.
MarLEN helps address these challenges by:
- Accelerating maritime decarbonisation.
- Supporting climate-neutral shipping solutions.
- Advancing clean maritime technologies.
- Encouraging international research collaboration.
- Strengthening Europe’s leadership in sustainable maritime innovation.
- Promoting commercialisation of zero-emission technologies.
- Supporting long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
The initiative also contributes to broader European climate objectives by fostering technologies that reduce the environmental impact of waterborne transport.
How to Apply
Applicants must follow a two-stage application process.
Step 1: Build an Eligible Consortium
Form a partnership that meets the minimum transnational consortium requirements and includes the expertise necessary to deliver the proposed project.
Step 2: Develop a Collaborative Project Proposal
Prepare a proposal that clearly demonstrates:
- Scientific and technical excellence.
- Innovation potential.
- Relevance to ZEWT objectives.
- Expected environmental benefits.
- Implementation and deployment strategy.
- Consortium capabilities and expertise.
Step 3: Submit the Transnational Proposal
Submit the lead proposal through the MarLEN transnational application process in accordance with programme requirements.
Step 4: Complete National Submissions
Projects selected during the transnational evaluation stage must complete national submission requirements as specified by participating funding organisations.
Step 5: Evaluation and Funding Decision
Proposals will be assessed according to programme evaluation criteria and national funding conditions before final funding decisions are made.
Tips for Applicants
- Include strong industrial participation.
- Engage SMEs where relevant.
- Align project objectives with ZEWT priorities.
- Demonstrate clear emission-reduction potential.
- Include realistic implementation and deployment plans.
- Consider involving ports and shipping operators.
- Highlight pathways to commercialisation and market uptake.
- Ensure compliance with national eligibility requirements.
- Develop a balanced consortium with complementary expertise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to satisfy consortium eligibility requirements.
- Overlooking national funding rules.
- Providing weak industry engagement.
- Lacking a clear deployment strategy.
- Failing to quantify environmental impact.
- Submitting projects with limited innovation potential.
- Neglecting stakeholder involvement for demonstration activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is MarLEN?
MarLEN is a European transnational funding initiative that supports collaborative maritime research and innovation projects focused on achieving zero-emission waterborne transport.
What does ZEWT stand for?
ZEWT stands for Zero Emission Waterborne Transport and refers to technologies and solutions designed to eliminate or significantly reduce emissions from maritime transport.
Who can apply?
Companies, SMEs, research organisations, universities, innovation centres, and other eligible maritime stakeholders may participate, subject to national funding requirements.
Are SMEs encouraged to participate?
Yes. SME participation is strongly encouraged because of its role in driving innovation, technology development, and commercialisation.
What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects include industrial research, experimental development, technology demonstrations, pilot implementations, and green shipping corridor initiatives.
What are green shipping corridors?
Green shipping corridors are maritime routes where zero-emission technologies, fuels, infrastructure, and operational solutions are demonstrated and deployed under real-world conditions.
How many countries must be represented in a consortium?
A consortium must include at least two independent legal entities from at least two participating countries.
Conclusion
The MarLEN 2026 Call provides a significant opportunity for organisations across Europe to collaborate on the development of next-generation zero-emission maritime technologies. By supporting industrial research, experimental development, and large-scale demonstrations, the programme aims to accelerate maritime decarbonisation, strengthen international cooperation, and advance the transition toward a sustainable and climate-neutral waterborne transport sector.
For more information, visit MarLEN.
