3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia

Date of latest update: 2025-12-13

Description

Description (EN):

Fisheries and Aquaculture, among the most popular activities in coastal regions of the world, play a pivotal role in the Blue Economy of the cross-border Adriatic region between Italy and Croatia. Second only to the Tourism and Transport sectors, and inter-connected with the Port Activities, shipbuilding and repair sector, Small Scale Fishery and AQuaculture (SSF-AQ) suffers for low performances in terms of public-private collaboration, applied research, and technological transfer. Many efforts have been done thanks to the 2014-2020 and previous programs, including INTERREG IT-HR, especially in smart solutions, digitalization, networking, but the core of the sector suffers from a lack of innovation and modernization of the fishing fleet that remain untouched. The fishing fleet in the first years of the last programming period wa 12,000 boats for a total of 984,788 kW engine power installed. All engines were diesel and over 80% of vessels more than 10-15 years old. The innovation status of the fleet is now even worst because of the combined economic effects of the pandemic crisis, Ukrainian war, and climate change. SMEs represent the backbone of the SSF-AQ economy for both countries and are the most affected by the current crisis. Despite the innovation in terms of smart solution, the combination of the increased fuel cost caused by the current energy and war crisis, and the climate change impact on the fish stocks have a tremendous impact in the short- and long-term sustainability of the whole sector. The Adriatic Sea is a semi-closed basin and is an extremely productive area for fisheries and farming, due to the strong outflow of nutrients from rivers and the periodic mixing of nutrients from the Mediterranean. But the climate change causes harmful impact on biodiversity and in the survival of species and livestock, including trans-boundary fish stock movements, anthropogenic stress strengthening overfishing, pollution, aquatic infections. Furthermore, the increase in fuel prices has greatly affected fishers’ and farmers’ costs and consequently there has been an increase in the prices of fishery and aquaculture products. Nevertheless, increase in product prices can not compensate the energy cost and cannot ensure survival of fishers, farmers and their families, less alone profitability of the sector. In this context, an innovative solution of electric-powered vessels that can reduce fuel consumption, noise and emissions at sea is desirable to mitigate negative economic and social effects on SSF and AQ and to financially support the sector. Funds like EMFAF should finance the fleet renovation and assure a multiplier effect, but there is still a lack of confidence and a need for the best research/knowledge transfer from the research sector to micro- and SMEs, testing and demonstrating the feasibility in real operative conditions. More, despite the technical feasibility, the innovation needs to act in parallel with a smart SSF-AQ and innovation approach managed in pair with a robust financing scheme. For this reason, we conceived 3EFISHING to develop and transfer innovation from Research to fishers, farmers, SMEs and Producers to achieve the sector's sustainability based on 3 E-innovation steps: (1) new vessels’ propulsion with Electric-engine that (2) increases Environmental quality with carbon footprint reduction and (3) Economic sustainability of SMEs by financial/investment skilling of SS-AQ agents. In this way 3EFISHING will implement the transboundary Green Deal of the Adriatic SSF-AQ fleet by refitting two <12mt pilot vessels with hybrid engines and allowing the use of renewable energy-sources, to achieve quick reduction of fuel costs, long term economic and environmental sustainability and more robust social security for fishers, farmers and their families. 3EFISHING will develop, design and implement activities, including re-skilled fishers and farmers, to be strategic for the Blue Economy in the area by tackling the major and common territorial challenges to make the Adriatic SSF-AQ production systems economically and environmentally resilient in the highly-stressed, floating and risky scenario of the sector. The project will be implemented thanks to two R&D institutions that will transfer innovation in the key-sectors of engineering, fishery/aquaculture low carbon solutions, economy, with the support of two Ministry-level bodies, the HR Ministry of Agriculture (dealing with fishery policies in Croatia) and ISMEA, newcomer in the IT-HR programme, the national institute in charge of financial support schemes for fisher and farmer entrepreneurs in Italy. Two territorial institutions from Marche IT and Zadar HR will involve the target groups of their regions, while the most important HR aquaculture company CROMARIS will directly apply and test the innovation. An international association complete partnership dealing with agents' involvement and EUSAIR support in a quadruple helix approach.

Actual Achievements (EN):

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Overall, the management and communication project activities of 3EFISHING were in-time addressed and completed, and all deliverables expected in RP1 were achieved, although the great delay occurred in signing the Partnership Agreement (11/09/2024) and the Subsidy Contract (23/10/2024) respect to the formal starting date of the project (01/03/2024). This delay negatively impacted on the activities of several PPs which could not activate expenditures, public procurements and starting activities. The LP UNIBO was strongly supported by the institution to start activities since April 2024 and using online mode several management activities have been organized without effective costs. Also, the communication activities have been rightly started and LP UNIBO selected and contracted the communication agency Rizomedia Srl to be effective in the dissemination of the project key-features, activities and events. On the contrary, timing of the technical/scientific activities has been severely impacted by delaying their starting or slowing down their progress, given the constraints of spending financial resources for public procurements and personnel. However, all the WP technical/scientific activities scheduled on the RP1 have been started and are now in progress. Main achievements of 3EFISHING in the RP1 (1/3/2024 – 31/8/2024) are MANAGEMENT - KOM hold online on the 18/4/2024 with the participation of all PPs except PP7 ISMEA (D.1.5.3); - project governance (SC and PMU+MT) established and role assigned in the project WPs and activities (D.1.5.1, D1.5.2); - quality/risk plan and financial control tool developed and delivered to all PPs (D.1.5.4, D1.5.5); - Partnership Agreement signed on 11/09/2024; - Subsidy Contract drafted and submitted for approval to MA (it has been recently signed and validated on 23/10/2024, RP2); - 7 PPs submitted their RP1 reports (exception PP7 ISMEA) – 3 certified, 4 under certification. COMMUNICATION - the communication agency Rizomedia SrL was selected by public procurement and contracted for supporting internal and external project communication and it is operatively active under the coordination of the CM; - a communication teamwork between the PPs, PM, CM and the Operational Communication Team (OCT) were established, - the Project Communication Strategy (CS) and its Annex the Project Communication Annual Plan (CP) were drafted and circulated to SC members to be approved and released within November 2024 (D1.5.6); - 8 among ad hoc bilateral meetings, meetings, forum and exhibitions (non-mandatory communication activities) were organised and/or attended by PPs in which 3EFISHING and WPs’ key-features were presented; - overall, 33 TGs reached by the effective and active participation of 3EFISHING PPs to non-mandatory communication activities; - approximately an estimated total of 1800 general public EU citizens reached by press releases on national and regional media, newspapers and sectorial magazines as well as by the institutional and project webpages and posters. TECHNICAL/SCIENTIFIC WPs Any technical/scientific deliverable is expected in the RP1. However, significant progress achievements are WP1 – the identification of a solution of hybrid propulsion system for SSF and AQ Adriatic vessels and the design for the two vessels identified within the project (Act. 1.1); WP2 – the building up of the data set to analyse the SSF and AQ structure in the Adriatic to identify the need for an E-transition (Act. 2.1); WP3 – the strategy and the plan for collecting secondary data have been defined and a diary format has been drafted to be released to SSF and AQ operators (Act. 3.1). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Overall, in PR2 the management and communication project activities of 3EFISHING were in-time addressed and completed, and the deliverable D1.5.6. – Communication Plan expected in PR2 was achieved. Forty-three new targets and 2208 General and fishery-interested Public were reached by 7 events, TV broadcasting and social media/webpage interactions. Most of the technical activities scheduled in the PR2 have been completed or advanced: the A1.1, A2.1 and A3.1, critical for the project advance and to reach project goals allowed the achievement of three key-deliverables (D1.1.1, D2.1.1 and D3.1.1). However, the tardive conclusion of A1.1 and release of D1.1.1 caused the lack of starting of A1.2 and of the delivering of D1.2.1 and D1.2.2. This activity and the deliverables were postponed to PR3. Main achievements of 3EFISHING in the PR2 (01/09/2024 – 28/02/2025) are MANAGEMENT - all PPs (including PP7) completed the mandatory management and financial commitments, including the PR2 Partner Reports - 3 certified, 5 under certification; - PP7 ISMEA has fully re-aligned management, communication and financial activities to the project timeline; - PMU+MT 3rd and 4th meetings were organized to coordinate properly the management, communication and technical activities; - an Extraordinary Technical Meeting was organized on 7th November 2024 at the Ecomondo2024 fair; the meeting was attended in presence by all PPs except PP7; - PP2 as QM monitored the progress of project activities and provided support to LP1; - LP1, PP2 and PP3 reached Targets and General Public by attending workshops, fairs and bilateral meetings. COMMUNICATION - the D1.5.6 – Communication Plan (formed by Project Communication Strategy and its Annex the Project Communication Annual Plan) was delivered in December 2024; - AO2 organized on 7th November 2024 a dissemination event at Ecomondo2024 fair attended by all PPs except PP7. - 7 among ad hoc bilateral meetings, meetings, forum and fairs (non-mandatory communication activities) were organised and/or attended by PPs in which 3EFISHING and WPs’ key-features were presented (see attached file in A1.5); - 43 TGs reached by the effective and active participation of 3EFISHING PPs to non-mandatory communication activities (see attached file in A1.5); overall in the period PR1-PR2, we reached 75 targets and 4008 General Public. - approximately an estimated total of 2208 General and fishery-interested public EU citizens reached by broadcasting TV, social media interactions and webpage visits. TECHNICAL/SCIENTIFIC WPs Five technical/scientific deliverables were expected in the PR2: three of them (D.1.1.1 - Report on the E-powered solution design; D.2.1.1 - Report on need analysis and feasibility plan of installing E-powered solutions on SSF-AQ fleet; D3.1.1. - Analysis report of structural characteristics of the SSF and AQ capacity and activity) were delivered while the other two (D1.2.1 - Report on risk analysis and D1.2.2 - Certification feasibility study), expected for A1.2 were postponed to PR3 cause the tardive conclusion of A1.1 and of the delivering of D1.1.1. The three achieved deliverables (attached in the related activities) represent the key-documents to implement the new hybrid propulsion systems in the project’ pilot vessels (D1.1.1) and to plan and make feasible the up-scaled transition in the SSF and AQ in the programme area (D2.1.1 and D3.1.1). WP1 – LP1, PP3 and PP8 completed the A1.1 and delivered the D1.1.1 by identifying and 2D CAD designing of hybrid propulsion systems for the vessels operated by PP3 (m/n Kalafuria) and PP8 (Catamaran); WP2 – A2.1 was completed by LP1, PP3 and PP8 by delivering D2.1.1 in February 2025. LP1 led the preparation of the Report with the collaboration of PP3 and PP8 and with the scientific and technological support from consultants active in the sector (GFCM and STECF). WP3 – A3.1 advanced with the achievement of D3.1.1 and the starting activities for D.3.1.2. LP1 together with PP2, PP4 and PP5 acquired, harmonized and integrated non-public data and information on Croatian and Italian fleet presented in the Report; QM PP2 approved the D3.1.1. To achieve the D.3.1.2, LP1 coordinated with other PPs involved (PP2, PP4 and PP5) to select the areas and fishers / fish farmers that will fill the diaries and to prepare the structure and variables to be collected with the diaries. PP2, PP4 and PP5 started the engagement of Italian and Croatian SSF and AQ agents for data collection that started in PR2 until PR3 (at this moment, 33 SSF vessels and 10 AQ farmers were engaged). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Overall, in PR3 the management and communication project activities of 3EFISHING were in-time addressed and completed. Sixty-four (64) new targets and more than 35,000 General and fishery-interested Public were reached by 3 events and social media/webpage interactions. The technical Activity 3.2 scheduled to end in the PR3 was completed. The activities 1.2 (to be completed in PR3), 3.2 and 3.3 (to be completed in PR4 and PR5, respectively) advanced. Critical delay and/or stop in starting and advancing were faced by the Activities 1.3 and 1.4 (to be completed in PR3) and 2.2 (to be completed in PR4). Three key-deliverables (D1.2.1, D1.2.2 and D3.1.2) were achieved, being chosen that the former two reports finalized for the general part and the specific part concerning only one vessel (see below the detailed description). LP1 and PMU-MT focussed the critical constraints of completing the Act. 1.3 and accordingly identified the need to implement major project modifications (budget shift from PP3 to PP8; extension of the project duration) to achieve the project goals. Main achievements of 3EFISHING in the PR3 (01/03/2025 – 31/08/2025) are MANAGEMENT - all PPs completed the mandatory management and financial commitments, including the PR3 Partner Reports - 6 certified, 2 under control and certification; - PMU+MT 5th meeting was organized to coordinate properly the management, communication and technical activities; - an Extraordinary Steering Committee Meeting was organized on 1st August 2025 online; the meeting was attended in presence by all PPs representatives to present and discuss the constraints faced in WP1 Act. 1.3 and their impacts on the project progresses and final goals; - PP2 as QM monitored the progress of project activities and provided support to LP1 and verified the deliverables before submission; - LP1, PP2 and PP3 reached Targets and General Public by attending workshops, fairs and bilateral meetings and by activities on the 3EFISHING social media profile and web site. COMMUNICATION - 3 events (an EU workshop, a regional fair and a project meetings) were organised and/or attended by PPs in which 3EFISHING WPs’ and key-features and advances were presented (see attached file in A1.5); - 64 TGs were reached by the effective and active participation of 3EFISHING PPs to non-mandatory communication activities (see attached file in A1.5); overall in the period PR1-PR3, the project reached 139 targets and 39,461 General public and fishery-interested public EU citizens reached by social media interactions and webpage visits. TECHNICAL WPs Six technical/scientific deliverables were expected in the PR3 (two delayed from PR2: D1.2.1 and D1.2.2 and four on PR3: D1.3.1, D1.3.2, D1.4.1 and D3.1.2). Three of them were delivered: the D1.2.1 - Report on risk analysis and D1.2.2 - Certification feasibility study were delivered not in a complete version because the constraint faced in A1.3 prevent the completion of these deliverables; the D3.1.2 Report on conducted analysis among SSF and AQ agents' behaviour was delivered in a complete version. The remaining three deliverables (D1.3.1 On-board Prototype, D1.3.2 Report on simulations and testing of the E-powered propulsion system, and D1.4.1 Communication toolkit of the stakeholders' awareness-raising and sensibilization campaign) were not delivered at all because are related to activities 1.3 and 1.4 which underwent critical constraints. WP1 –PP3 and PP8 completed the A1.2 and delivered the D1.2.1 and D1.2.2, analysing both the technical, economic, environmental, and operational aspects and associated risks of the retrofit and the certification-related activities for replacing the existing conventional propulsion system with a hybrid propulsion system. Both targets were analysed at the general level and a specific level addressed to the PP3 vessel m/n Calafuria 30 Fly. Unfortunately, this vessel is not suitable for the implementation of e-propulsion system. Therefore, we decided to avoid to include specific parts for the PP8 vessel and PP8 is reviewing and adapting them to the specific conditions and requirements of both vessels, namely the formerly defined Catamaran and a second polyvalent fishing vessel that will replace the PP3 vessel Calafuria within the project) to ensure compliance with industry standards and to minimize operational risks. Activity 1.3 was not completed and only partially initiated with preparatory actions essential for the correct implementation of the hybrid system prototyping and testing phases. Activity 1.4 was not started because sequential to the completion of Act. 1.3. WP2 – A2.2 was not started because sequential to the completion of Act. 1.3 in project structure. WP3 – A3.1 was finalised and D3.1.2 was delivered. A3.2 started sub-activities for the realization of an economic and financial investment plan, safety and LCA study. A3.3 begun to define the procedures for achieving the Guidelines of credit policy.

Project outputs: Joint, research-based implementation of newer energy-efficient E-powered propulsion system in SSF and AQ vessels(EN)
Joint and transboundary participations to set up EU Green Deal goals in the Blue Economy(EN)
Supporting and piloting the E-innovation of a local SME leader in the Adriatic SSF-AQ (EN)
Joint and cross-border plans for the E-transition of Adriatic Small-Scale Fisheries and Aquaculture fleets(EN)
Access to advanced technologies for SMEs of the Adriatic SSF and AQ seafarings(EN)
Supporting and piloting innovation of a local SME leader in the Adriatic SSF-AQ(EN)
Financial/economic multi-tailored investment plan to implement the E-transition up-take in the Adriatic SSF-AQ fleet(EN)
Website: https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/italy-croatia

Thematic information

ICT and digital society Agriculture and fisheries and forestry

Priority: (VI-A_I-Hr_1) Sustainable growth in the blue economy

Priority specific objective: RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 029 Research and innovation processes, technology transfer and cooperation between enterprises, research centres and universities, focusing on the low carbon economy, resilience and adaptation to climate change

Partners (8)

Lead Partner: Alma Master Studiorum-Universita di Bologna

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999993953

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01131710376 | 80007010376 | scriviunibo@pec.unibo.it (EN)

Department: Scienze biologiche, geologiche e ambientali - BiGeA, UOS RAVENNA

Address: Via Zamboni, 40126 Bologna, Italy

Department address: Via Sant'Alberto, 48123 Ravenna, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.unibo.it

Total budget: EUR 529 580.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 529 580.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Cromaris d.d.

Name: Cromaris d.d.

Department: Department for Procurement, Funds and Licences

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 952349008

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 58921608350 | 58921608350 | info@cromaris.hr (EN)

Address: Gaženička cesta, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Department address: Gaženička cesta, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Enterprise, except SME

Website: https://www.cromaris.com

Total budget: EUR 353 660.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 282 928.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 70 732.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Istituto di Servizi per il Mercato Agricolo Alimentare

Name: Istituto di Servizi per il Mercato Agricolo Alimentare

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 951194126

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01942351006 | 08037790584 | ismea@pec.ismea.it (EN)

Address: Viale Liegi, 00198 Rome, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: https://www.ismea.it

Total budget: EUR 75 975.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 75 975.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Zadarska županija

Name: Zadarska županija

Department: Department for agriculture, fisheries and EU funds

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 961058347

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 56204655363 | 56204655363 | katerina.skelin@zadarska-zupanija.hr (EN)

Address: Božidara Petranovića, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Department address: Božidara Petranovića, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.zadarska-zupanija.hr

Total budget: EUR 155 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 124 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 31 000.00

Contractors:

Name: Maribu d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 50466000349

Istituto agronomico mediterraneo di Bari (CIHEAM IAMB)

Name: Istituto agronomico mediterraneo di Bari (CIHEAM IAMB)

Department: Blue Economy and Sustainable Coastal Area Development

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999870375

Partner’s ID if not PIC: _ | 93047470724 | iambdir@pec.it (EN)

Address: Via Ceglie, 70010 Valenzano, Italy

Department address: Via Ceglie, 70010 Valenzano, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: International organisation, EEIG

Website: https://www.iamb.it

Total budget: EUR 150 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 150 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Ministarstvo poljoprivrede, Uprava ribarstva

Name: Ministarstvo poljoprivrede, Uprava ribarstva

Department: Directorate of Fisheries

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 883663987

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 76767369197 | 76767369197 | valentina.andric@mps.hr (EN)

Address: Ulica grada Vukovara , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Department address: Ivana Mažuranića, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: https://poljoprivreda.gov.hr

Total budget: EUR 71 040.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 56 832.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 208.00

Contractors:

Name: BARBABURAZ, obrt
VAT registration or tax identification number: 40588649427
Name: MARIBU d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 50466000349
Name: ORKA PARTNER j.d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 85111791897

Institut za oceanografiju i ribarstvo

Name: Institut za oceanografiju i ribarstvo

Department: Laboratory of Fisheries Science and Management of Pelagic and Demersal Resources

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 997589032

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 86235185568 | 86235185568 | vrgoc@izor.hr (EN)

Address: Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića, 21000 Split, Croatia

Department address: Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića, 21000 Split, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://acta.izor.hr/wp/en

Total budget: EUR 400 450.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 320 360.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 80 090.00

Contractors:

Name: Abel GRAPHICS d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00686959622

Agenzia per l’Innovazione nel Settore Agroalimentare e della Pesca "Marche Agricoltura Pesca"

Name: Agenzia per l’Innovazione nel Settore Agroalimentare e della Pesca "Marche Agricoltura Pesca"

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 951755271

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01491360424 | 01491360424 | marcheagricolturapesca.pec@emarche.it (EN)

Address: Via dell'Industria, 60027 Osimo, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.amap.marche.it

Total budget: EUR 138 050.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 138 050.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: CASA DEL PESCATORE - SOC. COOP
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00125600403
Name: CONSORZIO / CO.GE.PA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01725580441
Name: ASS. PRODUTTORI PICCOLA PESCA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01401550429
Name: COOP.PESCATORI MOTOPESCHERECCI
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00094550423

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Cromaris JSCo (Joint Stock Company)

3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

Partners and Projects info

Istituto di Servizi per il Mercato Agricolo Alimentare

3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

Partners and Projects info

Zadar County

3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

Partners and Projects info

Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari - CIHEAM IAMB

3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

Partners and Projects info

Ministry of Agriculture

3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

Partners and Projects info

Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries

3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

Partners and Projects info

Agency for Innovation in the Agri-food and Fisheries sectors “Marche Agriculture Fisheries”

3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

Partners and Projects info

University of Bologna

3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): 3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

Project acronym: 3EFISHING

Project ID: ITHR0200253

Project start date: 2024-03-01

Project end date: 2026-08-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

NEORION and NEORION PLUS (INTERREG ADRION) - Promotion of green maritime technologies and new materials to enhance sustainable shipbuilding in Adriatic Ionian Region PLUS
Partners shared with 3EFISHING: LP-UNIBO (EN) | - to accelerate both the cooperation of key actors & innovation in the maritime industry;
- to reinforce the traditional shipbuilding sector through coordinated efforts that will facilitate the exploitation of innovative technologies and technology transfer between new complementary markets such as new materials & specialized vessels;
- to innovate capacity of the maritime sector, creating a sustainable shipbuilding ADRION cluster, developing tools to favor the cooperation of SMEs with research institutions and provide action plans to both foster economic growth of the sector and benefit the regional business ecosystem;
- to create a transnational innovation system for Green shipbuilding as a major sector of EU’s Blue Growth Strategy. (EN), ARIEL and ARIEL PLUS (INTERREG ADRION) - Promoting small scale fisheries and aquaculture transnational networking in Adriatic-Ionian macroregion PLUS
Partners shared with 3EFISHING: PP2-AMAP, PP3-IOF, PP4-MP (EN) | - raising awareness activities and events for beneficiaries and stakeholders of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture sectors at local and Country level;
- transnational contributing to leverage future initiatives and investments on fisheries and aquaculture sectors by capacity building of potential beneficiaries and by supporting co-creation processes for getting funding opportunities;
- building virtual space and improving their operability for promoting cooperation and knowledge exchange among agnets of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture. (EN), ADRI.SMARTFISH (INTERREG IT-HR) - Valorisation of SMall-scale ARTisanal FISHery of the Adriatic coasts in a context of sustainability
Partners shared with 3EFISHING: PP3-IOF, PP4-MP, PP6-ZADAR COUNTY; RER (Associate partner) (EN) | - strengthening the Small-Scale Fishery role in the programme area by fostering its potential for innovation within the Blue Growth context;
- boosting SSF resilience and sustainability, and market value;
- mitigating risks and taking advantage of opportunities in cooperation with stakeholders. (EN), PRIZEFISH (INTERREG IT-HR) - Piloting of eco-innovative fishery supply-chains to market added-value Adriatic fish products
Partners shared with 3EFISHING: LP-UNIBO, PP2-AMAP, PP3-IOF, PP4-MP, PP6-ZADAR COUNTY; RER (Associate partner) (EN) | - to tackle the dual territorial challenge for Italian and Croatian Adriatic fishing SMEs and Producer Organizations (POs) to be more sustainable
- to increase their economic competitiveness in the seafood markets, by developing and piloting innovative fishery processes with added-value given by environmental, economic and social sustainability. (EN), TECHERA (INTERREG IT-HR) - A new technology era in the Adriatic Sea – Big data sharing and analytics for a circular sea economy
Partners shared with 3EFISHING: LP-UNIBO, PP2-AMAP, PP4-MP, PP6-ZADAR COUNTY (EN) | - to promote the adoption of emerging technologies to increase the smart specialization of companies operating in the blue economy,
- to attract the interest of young people in smart and blue careers. (EN), DORY (INTERREG IT-HR) - Capitalization actions for aDriatic marine envirOnment pRotection and ecosYstem based management
Partners shared with 3EFISHING: PP2-AMAP, PP3-IOF, PP6-ZADAR COUNTY; RER (Associate partner) (EN) | - to develop innovative solutions for reducing the negative aquaculture ecological impact of the economic activities
- to enhance the biodiversity of fish habitats. (EN), ECOSEA (IPA Adriatic CBC Programme 2007-2013) - Protection, improvement and integrated management of the sea environment and of cross border natural resources
Partners shared with 3EFISHING: PP2-AMAP, PP6-ZADAR COUNTY; RER (Associate partner) (EN) | - promotion of knowledge exchange and institutional capacity building to address the application of innovative model of environment and economic activities
- mitigation of the environment pressure due to fishery sector b increasing the sector sustainability
- improve the sustainability of sea resources development (EN), CASCADE (INTERREG IT-HR) - CoAStal and marine waters integrated monitoring systems for ecosystems proteCtion AnD managemEnt
Partners shared with 3EFISHING: LP-UNIBO, PP3-IOF (EN) | to develop monitoring and management actions to enhance the knowledge and to evaluate the quality and assess the vulnerability of marine ecosystems in Italy and Croatia. (EN), MARLESS (INTERREG IT-HR) - MARine Litter cross-border awarenESS and innovation actions
Partners shared with 3EFISHING: LP-UNIBO; RER (Associate partner) (EN) | - to design and implement innovative and experimental actions promoting circular economy. (EN), MISTRAL (INTERREG MED) - Mediterranean Innovation STRAtegy for transnational activity of clusters and networks of the Blue Growth
Partners shared with 3EFISHING: RER (Associate partner) (EN) | - increasing the share of knowledge on Blue Energy- by developing policies for the use of renewable energies sources within ports;
- improving Fishing & Aquaculture-breeding methods to achieve maximum diversification of the aquaculture species in a sustainable environment. (EN), INVESTINFISH (INTERREG IT-HR) -Boosting INVESTments in INnovation of SMEs along the entire FISHery and aquaculture value chain (EN) | - strengthening of competitiveness of fisheries and aquaculture production systems through promotion of investment programs aimed at acquisition of innovation services
- implementing pilot actions providing some IT-HR F&A SMEs with a roadmap to innovation instruments & services
- boosting creation of marketable innovative processes that will improve the SMEs ‘ competitiveness (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 873 755.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 499 004.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 88.44%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 499 004.00. Co-financing rate, 88.44%.
Others: Amount, EUR 178 721.00.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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Deliverables:

Report on the E-powered solution design
Report on risk analysis
Certification feasibility study
On-board Prototype
Report on simulations and testing of the E-powered propulsion system
Communication toolkit of the stakeholders' awareness-raising and sensibilization campaign
PMU creation
Steering Committee meetings held
Kick-off meeting held
Quality and risk plan including dedicated manual
Financial monitoring tool
Communication Plan
Report on need analysis and feasibility plan of installing E-powered solutions on SSF-AQ fleet
Report on performance testing and comparison of E-powered SSF-AQ vessels under working conditions
Guidelines on on-board demonstration and training with E-vessels in SSF-AQ working conditions
Report on public workshop demonstration and training with E-vessels in SSF-AQ working conditions
Analysis report of structural characteristics of the SSF and AQ capacity and activity
Report on conducted analysis among SSF and AQ agents' behaviour
Economic and financial assessment of multi-tailored investment plan of E-transition
Guidelines of financial engineering
Awarenes-raising campaign toolkit
Policy paper for EUSAIR strategy revision

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal 3EFISHING contributes to EGD by developing and implementing Green and Blue Innovation across the following EGD key-areas
1) Increasing the EU’s climate ambition for 2030 and 2050,
3) Mobilising industry for a clean and circular economy;
4) Building and renovating in an energy and resource efficient way;
5) A zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment;
6) Preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity;
7) Farm to Fork: a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system.
In detail, 3EFISHING deals with a strong increasing of low-carbon footprint in the small-scale fishery and aquaculture (SSF-AQ) sector of Blue economy in the programme area.This goal will be reached targeting three out four key investment areas of the EGD investment plan (Research, innovation and digitalisation, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Social Investment and Skills) by
i) designing, piloting and implementing the electric-powered engine re-fitting of two LOA <12mt vessels active in the small-scale fishery;
ii) implementing, under the framework and objectives of socio-economic and financial sustainability for SMEs, the E-transition of the SSF-AQ fleet and fishery economy which is composed by thousands of small vessels conducted by SMEs of single-fishers and fishing families;
iii) contributing to the decarbonization, increased energy efficiency and sustainable management of fish stocks with regard to resources and selectivity, and ultimately to climate mitigation efforts (SGD13 - Climate action) and restoring marine ecosystems and biodiversity (SDG14 - Life under water)
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion Pillar1:
Topic 1-Blue technologies:
3EFISHING fully embraces on of the specific objective of the Topic 1:
To Increase the use of blue and green novel technologies to safeguard the aquatic environment and improve the competitiveness of the maritime, fisheries and aquaculture sectors in global markets. 3E-Fishing promotes also R&D, innovation and business in Blue Economy.
Topic 2- Fisheries&aquaculture: 3EFISHING targets the modernization& renewal of SSF&AQ fleet to guarantee long-term seafood production in the programme area, developing sustainability standards of low-carbon, renewable energy-use, safer working conditions, and social inclusion. 3EFISHING contributes to the EUSAIR objectives of the Topic 2, offering a new solution to achieve a sustainable growth of a more efficient and resilient (both economically and environmentally) Adriatic aquaculture production, capitalising on innovation techniques - installing hybrid engines in Aquaculture vessels and allowing the use of renewable energy-sources.
PILLAR 3: ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Topic 1 – The marine environment:
3EFISHING contributes to ensure the good environmental and ecological status of the Adriatic marine and coastal environment (in line with the relevant EU acquis and the ecosystem approach of the Barcelona Convention) since it will increase competitiveness of SSF-AQ SMEs whose features include low environmental impact, small scale of production operations, highly selective use of gears and low levels of species bycatch and discards.
The project, moreover, contributes to the decarbonization, increased energy efficiency and sustainable management of fish stocks with regard to resources and selectivity, and ultimately to climate mitigation efforts, and restoring marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
3EFISHING 's approach improves the features of the environmental framework, which include low impact and respect for the biological and migratory cycles of different species, by reducing carbon footprint.
Other FEAMP
The project is in line with the Specific objective 1.2 – Increase energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions through the replacement or modernization of fishing vessel engines. In fact, the National Programme FEAMP will finance the following type of action:
“The action is aimed at reducing CO2 emissions caused by fuel consumption through modernization or replacement of the main engine and secondary engines (including electricity generators), for boats less than 24 meters in length ….. interventions that involve the use of energy will be supported as a priority renewables (e.g. electric or hybrid motors) which directly contribute to reducing the causes that determine climate change”.
3EFISHING contributes to this action through the development of a new technological solution, by testing the electric-refitting of two vessels for Small Scale Fisheries-Aquaculture taking in consideration the link with the operative conditions and economic related investment to solve the bottleneck problem, thus allowing an exploitation by FEAMP future contribution to the refitting interventions.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 002 - Enterprises supported by grants, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 004 - Enterprises with non-financial support, Measurement unit:
RCO 081 - Participations in joint actions across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 007 - Research organisations participating in joint research projects, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO07) Research organisations participating in joint research projects: 2.0
(RCO02) Enterprises supported by grants: 1.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 085 - Participations in joint actions across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 003 - Small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) introducing product or process innovation, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-09

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

76 / 76 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

486 / 486 (100%)

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3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

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Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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