A message, developed by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), provides assessment of relevant European research and innovation (R&I) projects aimed at decarbonising water transport in Europe in the period 2020-2024The report analyses various projects and initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in maritime and inland waterway transportThe basis for the analysis is European Commission Transport Research and Innovation Monitoring and Information System (TRIMIS).

Key aspects of the analysis:

• Identification of decarbonization measures: The report identifies measures in the area of technology, operations and coordination and support.
• Qualitative assessment of completed EU projects: Analysis of six completed EU projects to gain knowledge and experience on technological, regulatory and financial implications implementation of projects specifically in the water transport sector. The evaluation focuses on operational, tactical and strategic success of projects.
• Alternative fuels: The report analyses in detail research and innovation in the field LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and biofuels as alternative fuels for water transport. Includes an overview of projects focused on production, bunkering, storage and loading of vessels these fuels. It points out growing number of global ports equipped with LNG facilities and various projects related to hydrogen (including production, import and bunkering), ammonia (powertrain systems, cracking technologies, storage), and methanol (engine conversion, production from CO2). It is also analyzed biofuel potential and their conversion technologies.
• Electrification: The report focuses on projects aimed at electrification of vessels, including development and implementation electric and hybrid drive systems, battery technologies and port charging solutionsExamples of projects are given as E-FERRY a SEABAT.
• Ship design and new materials: Projects aimed at: new ship design concepts in order to increase energy efficiency, safety and environmental compatibility, as well as to utilize innovative materialsAn example is the project HOLISHIP.
• Digitization: The report examines the role digital technologies in the decarbonization of water transport, including projects aimed at logistics optimization, autonomous navigation, environmental monitoring and digital twins.
• Sustainability in shipping and port operations: Projects aimed at: reduction of GHG emissions in ports, waste management and overall sustainable practicesProject PIONEERS is given as an example.
• Port and cargo logistics and automation: The report addresses initiatives to improving efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of port operations through automation and logistics optimizationProject NOVIMOVE is a relevant example.
• Automated vessels: Projects related to are being analyzed development and demonstration of autonomous vessels, with the project introduction AUTOSHIP.
• Inland Waterway Transport (IWW): Special attention is paid to projects aimed at decarbonization IWW, with an analysis of technological, operational and coordination measures.
• Financial assessment: The report provides an overview of EU investments to research projects on the decarbonisation of water transport within the framework of the programmes H2020 and Horizon Europe, which reach almost EUR 1 billion.
• Geographical and organizational distribution: It is being analyzed participation and coordination of projects by country, while pointing to higher activity in Western Europe.
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): The report evaluates level of technology maturity developed within the analyzed projects.
• R&I indications and policy implications: The report highlights specific project results and their significance for future research and policies in the field of decarbonization of water transport.
• Factors supporting and hindering the development of projects: Based on interviews with project coordinators, the following are identified: key factors influencing the success of projects, including technological challenges, regulatory aspects and financial constraints.
• Future research needs: The report identifies areas that require further research and funding, such as optimizing hydrogen recirculation, scaling hydrogen storage solutions, and optimizing on-board energy management systems.

The report emphasizes that Decarbonizing water transport is a complex challenge, which requires a combination of technological innovation, operational improvements and supporting policy measures. The results of the projects analysed contribute to shaping future research and policy agendas in this area within the EU. Spring