[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

April 14, 2026 (Full application submission deadline, single-stage, 17:00 Brussels time)

€2,000,000 total; 1 grant expected; Coordination and Support Action (lump sum)

Funds projects to assess risks, update regulations, and develop safety guidelines and training for handling renewable low and zero-carbon fuels in EU port areas.

--- ## Description This grant, under the Horizon Europe programme, supports projects focused on the safety of renewable low and zero-carbon waterborne fuels in maritime and inland port areas. The initiative aims to address the new safety challenges brought by the transition to cleaner fuels, particularly concerning their storage, handling, and bunkering in ports that are often close to populated areas. Projects are expected to: - Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for the introduction and management of these fuels. - Review and recommend updates or harmonization of current EU and national regulations, standards, and guidelines. - Define operational improvements for safer storage, handling, and bunkering. - Develop standard risk assessment criteria for ports. - Draft guidelines for safe operations considering environmental and health aspects. - Engage stakeholders (port authorities, operators, trade unions, regulatory bodies) to ensure practical and effective recommendations. - Propose strategies for skills development, including training modules, certification, and continuous professional development for port personnel and stakeholders. This topic is part of the Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) partnership and projects must report results to support ZEWT’s monitoring and KPIs. --- ## Due Dates - April 14, 2026: Full application submission deadline (single-stage), 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Total available: €2,000,000 (lump sum) - Expected number of grants: 1 - Type of action: Horizon Coordination and Support Action (CSA) - Funding covers all eligible costs as a lump sum, as per Horizon Europe rules --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and eligible Associated Countries (see [Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf)) - Non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate under certain conditions; see the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - Proposals must meet financial and operational capacity requirements (see [Annex C](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf)) - If using satellite-based earth observation or navigation, must utilize Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS data/services --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-05-D5-13?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - Application system opens: December 18, 2025 - Application deadline: April 14, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time - Follow the [Standard application form (HE CSA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-csa_en.pdf) - Evaluation and award criteria are detailed in [Annex D](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - Detailed guidance in the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) and [HE Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) --- ## Additional Information - Projects must report to the ZEWT partnership and contribute to its KPIs. - Proposals must address all aspects listed in the topic scope, including regulatory review, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and training strategies. - The grant uses a lump sum funding model, simplifying financial management. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic Details and Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-05-D5-13?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (2026-2027)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Resource | Link/Contact | |-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | European Commission general contact | +32 2 299 11 11 | | EC Contact Page | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points (NCPs) | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk (portal issues) | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

Safety of renewable low and zero-carbon waterborne fuels in port areas: risk assessment, regulatory framework, and guidelines for safe bunkering, handling and storage (ZEWT partnership) - European Commission

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