OBJECTIVES
This call is the final sub-theme of the umbrella Maritime Decarbonisation call. The objective of this call’s sub-theme is to develop new services that support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, with a focus on green fuels and green propulsion systems.
Driven by the introduction of new regulatory frameworks such as FuelEU, EU ETS, and the ongoing negotiations at the IMO, expected to conclude in 2025, the maritime industry has embarked on a journey to decarbonise the sector. This transformation comprises multiple elements, with carbon-neutral fuels at its core.
The first alternative fuels solutions have emerged in the form of LNG (1,239), LPG (139), methanol (35), hydrogen (3), and ammonia (1) (source DNV Maritime Forecast 2050). These figures illustrate that the industry has multiple pathways to green fuel, each presenting unique challenges.
This sub-theme addresses the opportunities to leverage on space technology arising for the adoption of green fuels, as well as green propulsion systems such as wind propulsion, and carbon capture technologies. Below are some examples of relevant applications, though bidders are encouraged to propose additional services that contribute to the adoption of green fuels and propulsion systems enabled by space technologies:
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Green Fuels Supply Chain Optimisation: Satellites provide global monitoring and communication infrastructure, enabling the tracking and prediction of supply patterns and demand. Suppliers can use this data to optimise the movement of fuel from production sites to distribution centres, improving visibility and ensuring timely deliveries. Earth observation satellites can also monitor fuel storage facilities and pipelines for leaks, damage, or irregularities, helping to prevent fuel loss, environmental disasters, and operational disruptions.
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Regulatory Compliance: Space data can facilitate compliance verification associated with the use of green fuels, including fleet compliance management.
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Support for Supply Chain and Bunkering Infrastructure: Technologies developed for cryogenic fuel storage in space can be applied to hydrogen and LNG bunkering (e.g. space heritage traceability must be provided).
- Bunker-Specific Smart Routing: Space data can enable smart routing for bunker operations, considering bunker performance and environmental requirements. For example, green fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and LNG require stable operating conditions to maximise efficiency.
- Improving Reliability of Safety-Critical Systems: Fuels like ammonia (toxic), hydrogen (highly flammable), and methanol (flammable and corrosive) present additional risks. Preventive maintenance and active monitoring through IoT can help mitigate these risks.
- Carbon Capture Systems: Space technology transfers, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), can be used to absorb and store CO₂. Satellite navigation and connectivity can enhance the operations and efficiency of carbon capture systems.
- Supply Chain Transparency: Satellites can help secure fuel supply chains by integrating with blockchain technology. By providing verifiable data on fuel movements, satellite systems can reduce fraud, ensure accountability, and enhance supply chain transparency.
- Optimisation and Monitoring of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems: Space-enabled solutions can support wind-assisted propulsion systems through forecasting and nowcasting of wind conditions, optimised wind-assisted routing, and verification of emissions compliance.
By leveraging space-based technologies, the maritime sector can accelerate its transition to greener energy sources and propulsion systems, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
We look for promising business ideas addressing topics of relevance or related areas that propose:
- attractive market opportunities, identified customer needs and customer engagement
- commercially-viable service concepts
- technically feasible solutions
- demonstrated added value of space data or technology
- motivated teams with business, technical, and financial expertise
WHAT WE OFFER
We offer funding and support to companies, both for business case assessment and for the development of new, space-based services. Our offer includes:
- zero-equity funding*
- technical and commercial guidance
- access to our network and partners
- ESA brand credibility
*(50-80% depending on SME Status and Member State Approval)
ESA TENDER INFORMATION
The initiative is open to the submission of proposals for Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects:
- Feasibility Studies - which provide the preparatory framework to identify, analyse and define new potentially sustainable services
- Demonstration Projects - dedicated to the implementation and demonstration of pre-operational services
HOW TO APPLY
Economic Operators, intending to respond to this Thematic Call are requested to inform their National Delegations of their intention to submit a proposal as soon as possible, prior to the submission of the Outline Proposal.
Contact information can be found under: National Delegations.
- Step 1: Activity Pitch Questionnaire
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The Activity Pitch Questionnaire allows you to present your business idea in a reduced, standardised pitch. It helps us to quickly assess your activity and decide on the way forward.
- Download the Activity Pitch Questionnaire.
- Prepare your pitch and optionally consult with an ESA Business Applications Ambassador.
- Submit your pitch as instructed in the Activity Pitch Questionnaire, through the form online.
Upon submission of an Activity Pitch Questionnaire:
• We may share the submitted Activity Pitch Questionnaire with National Delegations for coordination purposes.
• We will assess your pitch.
• We will inform you about the results and next steps.Note:
• Before Full Proposal submission (Step 3), you must obtain authorisation from the National Delegations of the countries in which your and your partners’ organisations reside. We recommend liaising with the National Delegations as early as possible.
• For Italian entities, it is NOT required to contact the National Delegation (ASI), because ESA has been delegated by ASI to interface with the Tenderer in the whole stage of the bidding process. - Step 2: Outline Proposal
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If we accept your Activity Pitch Questionnaire, we will invite you to prepare an Outline Proposal for a Feasibility Study or Demonstration Project.
Download the Outline Proposal Template for a Feasibility Study or Demonstration Project from the Documents webpage. Prepare your proposal, elaborating on your pitch.
Upon submission of an Outline Proposal:
• We may involve external experts in the proposal evaluation to coordinate activities within ESA Member States and the European Union.
• We may ask you to address clarification points originating from the Outline Proposal evaluation.
• If all clarification points are sufficiently addressed, we will prepare a project dossier and request approval from our Steering Board, which meets quarterly.
• We will inform you about results and next steps.- Submit your Outline Proposal to business@esa.int for evaluation, within 1 year from APQ submission.
- Step 3: Full Proposal
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If we invite you to submit a Full Proposal:
Register your team on esa-star Registration today! If your team is made up of more than one organisation, each entity will need to register. Download the official tender documents from esa-star Publication.
Upon submission of a Full Proposal:
• An independent board will evaluate your proposal against criteria set out in the tender documentation.
• We may ask you to address clarification points identified during proposal evaluation and invite you to a negotiation meeting.
• Upon successful negotiation, we will send you a contract for signature and agree the project kick-off.- Prepare your proposal using the official tender documents and reach out to your National Delegate to obtain a Letter of Authorisation.
- Submit your proposal via esa-star Tendering.
AUTHORISATION OF FUNDING
For this call, companies residing in the following Member States will be eligible to apply: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
- for the ARTES 4.0 5G Strategic Programme Line: Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada have subscribed.
- for the ARTES 4.0 4S Strategic Programme Line: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada have subscribed.
Authorisation of Funding letters from the corresponding National Delegations are required as part of the application.
