Autonomous vessels in short sea shipping and inland waterways

Overview

Funding for projects demonstrating remote-control and fully autonomous vessels in short sea shipping and inland waterways, targeting market adoption and workforce challenges in the waterborne transport sector.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., research institutions, industry, public bodies) from eligible EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and specified third countries. Entities directly or indirectly controlled by China are excluded.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €13,500,000
• Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

• Demonstration of two remotely controlled vessels (degree 3 automation) without crew on board, including at least one short-sea shipping vessel.
• Demonstration of two fully autonomous vessels (degree 4 automation) in at least one inland waterway vessel.
• Integration of port calling, mooring, berthing, offshore charging, and lock passage in all weather conditions.
• Predictive maintenance, self-diagnostic systems, and cyber risk management.
• Addressing infrastructure gaps, standardization, regulatory recommendations, and economic viability modeling.
• Assessment of net carbon impact and biodiversity considerations.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7–9.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-12-14
• Deadline: 2027-04-13

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting and dissemination requirements as outlined in the Horizon Europe Model Grant Agreement.
• The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to four years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS for satellite-based data if applicable.
• Proposals should build on results from prior EU-funded projects (e.g., DYNAPORT, MISSION, AUTOFLEX, FOREMAST).
• Emphasis on EU/EEA-based shipyards, equipment manufacturers, and providers.