Call for Proposals: Maritime Decarbonisation Programme

The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced a call for proposals under the ARTES BASS programme line, aimed at supporting the development of sustainable space-based services and applications to address maritime decarbonisation challenges.

About the Opportunity

Maritime decarbonisation is crucial for enhancing maritime sustainability. Although shipping is the most efficient commercial transport mode in terms of CO2 emissions per tonne of cargo, it remains a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. The call seeks to leverage space assets to drive this transformation and comply with new European and international regulatory frameworks.

Sub-Themes

The call is organized into sub-themes, each addressing specific aspects of maritime decarbonisation:

• Decarbonisation through Maritime Autonomy (Opening: September 2024)
  • Reducing carbon emissions through increased autonomy
  • Resilient and ubiquitous connectivity
  • Precision positioning and timing services
• Ports Decarbonisation (Opening: November 2024)
  • Optimisation of Port Operations
  • Dock Electrification
  • Ports as a gateway to offshore energy
  • Green fuels storage, distribution, and usage
• Green Propulsion (Opening: January 2025)
  • Adoption of alternative non-fossil fuels
  • Alternative propulsion systems like Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS)
  • After-treatment systems like Onboard Carbon Capture (OCC) systems

Funding Information

• Feasibility Studies: Max 500k EUR, 50-80% funded by ESA (can be 100% for research institutions)
• Demonstration Projects: No max cost, 50-80% funded by ESA (dependent on delegation decision)

Value of Space

Satellite technologies and data play a significant role in maritime decarbonisation:

• Satellite Positioning and Timing: Essential for accurate positioning data and smart routing solutions.
• Satellite Communications: Crucial for real-time connectivity and supporting data analytics applications.
• Satellite Earth Observation: Used to improve situational awareness and monitor environmental impacts.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must be companies or organizations residing in ESA Member States, which include:

• Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom

Funded participation is open to any company, public body, or NGO residing in the mentioned ESA Member States. Applicants must obtain a Letter of Authorisation from all national delegations before submitting a Full Proposal.

Donor Name: European Space Agency (ESA)

Grant Size: $500,000 to $1 million

Source URL: ESA Maritime Decarbonisation Programme

Publish Date: 04-Sept-2024

Deadline Date: 28-Feb-2025