BACKGROUND
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 ports ecosystems.
Ports play a pivotal role in maritime decarbonisation, serving as hubs for enabling the transition to cleaner and more sustainable shipping practices. They are more than just logistical centres — they are strategic agents of change in the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
By implementing measures to decarbonise, ports can transform into green hubs that not only minimise environmental impacts but also drive innovation and sustainable economic growth. This transformation is essential for the broader decarbonisation of global trade and transport systems.
This sub-theme includes the following topics, although bidders are encouraged to propose additional services not listed below that contribute to the decarbonisation of ports ecosystems:
- Digitalisation and efficiency improvements: By adopting smart technologies and space-enabled digital platforms, ports can optimise their operations and enhance the efficiency of cargo handling. Efficient port operations improve competitiveness of all parties while reducing fuel consumption, hence directly cutting emissions.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Ports can become renewable energy hubs by integrating solar, wind, and other renewable sources to power their operations and provide clean energy to vessels. Space assets can support the planning and operations optimisation of green energy sources, improving their effectiveness and reliability.
- Green Electrification and Shore Power: Ports play a significant role in reducing emissions from ships during berthing by cold ironing, allowing vessels to plug into the electrical grid instead of using auxiliary engines powered by fossil fuels. Electrifying port operations, such as cranes, vehicles, and cargo-handling equipment, further minimises the port’s own carbon footprint. Space assets can aid in planning and forecasting grid loads to optimise the electrical power infrastructure.
- Port Vehicles Autonomy: Autonomy can be introduced to port land infrastructure, such as cranes and other land vehicles, as well as water vehicles like bathymetric survey vessels. These systems can utilise precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems, as well as reliable hybrid terrestrial/satellite 5G connectivity, to enhance operations. Autonomous systems can often reduce emissions by optimising operations and reducing the size and complexity of the vehicle.
- Monitoring of Emissions: Satellites, in combination with in-situ sensors, can provide critical information on port emissions and their impact on surrounding environments and populations. In addition to monitoring carbon dioxide (CO₂), the increasing adoption of LNG-powered vessels makes the tracking of methane (CH₄) emissions particularly important. Furthermore, monitoring pollutants such as sulphur oxides (SOₓ), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter is essential due to their harmful effects on human health and natural ecosystems.
VALUE OF SPACE
Some of the uses of various space assets is outlined below.
- Satellite Positioning and Timing: Advanced Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) enable automation by providing precise positioning and timing. For example, Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology can be used for high-accuracy applications such as crane positioning. GNSS also provides ships with accurate positioning data, which feeds into smart platforms and analytical tools to enhance operational efficiency.
- Satellite Communications: Reliable, ubiquitous, and resilient data connectivity is critical for autonomous systems. Hybrid terrestrial/satellite networks can support essential communications infrastructure. Satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) solutions can connect a port’s remote sensors and equipment, while systems such as Satellite Automatic Identification System (AIS) and VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) provide essential information for operations planning and coordination.
- Satellite Earth Observation: SatEO can enhance port situational awareness and support the monitoring of emissions, helping ports optimise operations and reduce environmental impacts.
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
- 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
- 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).
- 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), and 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.
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.
