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

April 14, 2026

~€10,500,000 per project | 2 grants expected; total budget €21 million

Supports innovation to make EU shipyards more competitive and sustainable by integrating advanced technologies and processes for building and retrofitting low-emission vessels.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity aims to transform the European shipbuilding sector—especially small and medium-sized shipyards—by deploying advanced technologies such as robotics, automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. Projects should demonstrate improved manufacturing and retrofitting processes, facilitate easier future vessel upgrades, and support the sector’s shift toward low-to-zero emission and biodiversity-friendly maritime transport. The initiative is part of the European Partnership on ‘Zero Emission Waterborne Transport’ (ZEWT) and emphasizes EU-added value, sector competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. Proposals must address the deployment and integration of innovative systems in EU/EEA shipyards, pilot applications in real-world environments, digital collaboration, environmental impact reduction, skills development, and robust business/exploitation strategies. Demonstrations must take place in at least three EU/EEA shipyards. --- ## Due Dates - April 14, 2026: Full application submission deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative total budget for this topic: €21,000,000 - Expected number of grants: 2 - Typical grant size: approximately €10,500,000 per project (lump sum) - Funding is provided as a lump sum grant under the Horizon Europe Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) scheme. --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must involve legal entities from eligible countries as defined in [Annex B of the Horizon Europe 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). - At least three EU/EEA shipyards must be involved for demonstration activities. - Entities established in an eligible country but directly or indirectly controlled by China (or by a legal entity established in China) are not eligible to participate. - Financial and operational capacity requirements apply. - If using satellite-based earth observation or navigation data, applicants must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services. - See the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) for further details on eligibility. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process. - The call opens December 18, 2025. - Submit proposals via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-05-D5-12?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Application form and templates are available in the Submission System; see the [standard application form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). - Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout described in the application form and relevant annexes. - Evaluation criteria, thresholds, and processes 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) and the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## Additional Information - Projects must report results to the ZEWT Partnership for KPI monitoring. - Proposals should develop business plans, exploitation strategies, and address knowledge/technology leakage. - Synergies with start-ups and SMEs in the EU/EEA are encouraged. - The granting authority may object to the transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results up to four years after the action ends. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-05-D5-12?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 (Eligibility, Evaluation, etc.)](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 | Purpose | Contact Link / Details | |---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General enquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research programme questions | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points (NCP) | [Find NCPs](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/Portal support | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone (European Commission) | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Shipyards of the future (ZEWT Partnership) - European Commission

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