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
Register your team on esa-star Registration today. If your team is made up of more than one company or organisation, each entity will need to register.
Scroll down to the ‘Downloads’ section of this webpage to download the official documents. Official documents include:
- an Activity Description (including the scope of the call, procurement approach…)
- an Annex (including relevant use-cases)
- other supporting materials (e.g. webinar slides, if applicable)
Download the Activity Pitch Questionnaire template and submit your pitch as instructed in the Activity Pitch Questionnaire guidelines, through the online form.
ESA will evaluate your pitch. Teams whose pitches are positively evaluated will be invited to prepare an Outline Proposal and then a Full Proposal. Teams must obtain a Letter of Authorisation from their respective National Delegation before submitting a Full Proposal. Contact details of all National Delegates can be found here: National Delegation(s).
AUTHORISATION OF FUNDING
For this call, companies residing in the following Member States will be eligible to apply: For this call, companies residing in the following Member States will be eligible to apply: 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.
(*) Countries not eligible under BASS, but eligible under 4S and 5G Strategic Programme Lines.
Teams can involve non-European entities, but their contribution to the activity cannot be funded by ESA.
Authorisation of Funding letters from the corresponding National Delegations are required as part of the application.
