Possibilities of Establishing Green Propulsion Shipping Routes on Rivers and Seas

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2025-12-17

Description

Description (EN):

The project "Possibilities of Establishing Green Propulsion Shipping Routes on Rivers and Seas" addresses the pressing challenges faced by both river and sea shipping sectors in meeting stringent emission reduction targets set by initiatives like the European Green Deal and the Energy Taxation Directive (FuelEU Maritime). The focus of this endeavour is on tackling the geographical complexities within the EUSDR region, with a specific emphasis on the imperative need for decarbonizing these sectors. In this context, alternative fuels emerge as pivotal solutions for emission reduction. These include zero carbon options such as hydrogen, ammonia, and electricity, low carbon variants like methanol, LNG, LPG, and carbon-neutral alternatives such as biofuels like Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The retrofitting of existing vessels or the construction of new ships designed to utilize these alternative fuels can substantially impact decarbonization efforts. However, a significant obstacle lies in the inadequate development of port infrastructure, particularly storage and handling facilities for a diverse range of alternative fuels. The establishment of green routes using alternative fuels is seen as a fundamental step towards drastically reducing carbon and other pollutant emissions in the EUSDR region. This transition necessitates vessels equipped with ready-to-use fuels, supportive regulations, and ports capable of handling and supplying alternative fuels. Transitioning to alternative fuels comes with significant costs, both in terms of infrastructure development and operational expenses, due to higher fuel costs compared to traditional fuel oil. Moreover, the complexity of shipping supply chains involving various stakeholders such as fuel production, port logistics, vessel owners, operators, and cargo owners underscores the need for thorough planning and collaboration across the entire value chain. Thus, the primary objective of the GREEN-PRO project is to provide inputs for the main project in order to facilitate the transition of the river and sea shipping sectors towards adopting alternative fuels, ensuring a seamless supply chain from ports with adequate infrastructure within the Danube river and East Adriatic coastline regions. The main project's focus aligns with Priority Areas 1A and 2 of the European Strategy for the Danube Region (ESUDR), targeting waterway mobility and sustainable energy. Through collaborative partnerships and coordinated actions, the project aims to drive significant progress towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system in the region. Key stakeholders, such as port authorities, shipping companies, and environmental organizations play crucial roles in implementing decarbonization measures. Collaboration with these stakeholders is essential for promoting sustainable transport practices in the Danube River and East Adriatic regions. The main project will contribute to the following wider strategies and policies: EU Strategy for Danube Region ESUDR, EU Green Deal, Territorial Agenda 2030, as well as the revised IMO strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships. The main project's transboundary impact and macro-regional dimension underscore its geographical scope, collaborative approach, and alignment with regional strategies like the ESUDR. By addressing common challenges and promoting cross-border cooperation, the project aims to promote positive sustainability outcomes that extend beyond national boundaries within the Danube region and the East Adriatic coastline. There are anticipated four specific GREEN-PRO project outputs, including: Report on the current state of alternative fuels for ships, Main project work plan for establishing Green Propulsion Shipping Routes on Rivers and Seas, Report on funding possibilities for Establishing Green Propulsion Shipping Routes on Rivers and Seas, and Additional preparatory activities needed for feasible main project planning. These outputs aim to guide the project's implementation and maximize its impact on decarbonizing the river and sea shipping sectors. As outputs of GREEN-PRO SMF project, detailed elaboration of three specific objectives of future main project will be made: 1-Organisations involved it water transport value chain focusing on ships’ propulsion alternative fuel will have increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders. 2-Joint strategy on ships' propulsion alternative fuels of the Danube region. The Output will be “Strategies and action plans jointly developed”. 3-Solutions of ships clean propulsion technologies taken up or up-scaled by organisations.

Expected Achievements (EN):

This activity aims to assess the current state of alternative fuels for ship propulsion in the EUSDR countries and analyze target groups for engagement. It involves examining past initiatives, evaluating obstacles, and anticipating future trends to guide the development of sustainable shipping green routes on rivers and seas. Identified target groups should play crucial roles in advancing sustainable shipping practices. In order to provide additional step towards Priority 2 of the Interreg Danube program - A greener, low- carbon Danube Region the future main project will, contribute to achievement of Program Specific objective 2.2. Promoting renewable energy in accordance with Renewable Energy Directive with focus on supporting greening the energy in water transport sectors in the Danube Region by enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources. In other words, the main project will contribute to the transition towards cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable propulsion systems in rivers and seas of the EUSDR countries. The main project intervention logic will be based on the Logical Framework Approach, with clear definition of overall objective, specific objectives, outputs, results and related activates. Also relevant indicators, assumptions and risks should be taken in consideration. Additionally, the structure of future partners and indicative budget for the action will be defined. Before entering and analysing the financing mechanisms of future main project partners of Green-Pro should clearly outline the objectives, scope, methodology, and expected outcomes of the project, highlight the innovative aspects of the project, such as the use of novel alternative fuels or propulsion technologies and include a detailed budget breakdown. For each potential source of funding, on the first place EU regional programs, as Interreges and HORIZON, following roadmap with related data will be identified: Program priority, specific objectives, program areas, eligibility criteria, dynamic of payments, co-financing rates, application forms, etc. By following the roadmap, project partners can increase their chances of securing financing for a project on alternative fuels for ships' propulsion and contribute to the advancement of sustainable water transportation solutions. A wider consultation with relevant stakeholders of the region, as an additional preparatory activity needed for feasible planning of the main project will be implemented. The focus will be on two separate actions, community and stakeholders’ consultations on alternative fuels for ship propulsion resulting with a report on challenges and needs of targeted stakeholders of decarbonisation of shops propulsion value chain and, as a specific activity, benchmark analyses on green propulsion resulting with additional insights for future project development. The process of consultation with relevant stakeholders of the region will be performed on participative and multi-stakeholder framework, combining different technics of data collection from one side, but also supporting the co-ownership of future project idea and activities on other side. Benchmark analyses on green propulsion in Danube region will include critical success factors of at least two new solutions.

Thematic information

Logistics and freight transport Waterways, lakes and rivers Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-B_D_4) Priority 4 - A better cooperation governance in the Danube Region

Priority specific objective: ISO6.4. Enhance institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders to implement macro-regional strategies and sea-basin strategies, as well as other territorial strategies (all strands)

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO6 (ISO1) A better cooperation governance

Type of intervention: 171 Enhancing cooperation with partners both within and outside the Member State

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: JAVNA USTANOVA UNIVERZITET CRNE GORE / POMORSKI FAKULTET KOTOR

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02016702

Department: Faculty of maritime studies Kotor

Address: Cetinjska, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: Put I Bokeljske brigade, 85331 Kotor, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.ucg.ac.me

Total budget: EUR 38 192.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 30 553.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 7 638.40

Energieinstitut an der Johannes Kepler Universität Linz

Name: Energieinstitut an der Johannes Kepler Universität Linz

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU68396416

Address: Altenbergerstraße, 4040 Linz, Austria

Department address: Altenbergerstraße, 4040 Linz, Austria

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.energieinstitut-linz.at

Total budget: EUR 25 998.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 20 798.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 5 199.60

Національний університет «Львівська політехніка»

Name: Національний університет «Львівська політехніка»

Department: Department of Chemical Engineering

Partner’s ID if not PIC: UA020710113025

Address: Bandery str., 79013 Lviv, Ukraine

Department address: St. Yura sqr., 79013 Lviv, Ukraine

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://lpnu.ua

Total budget: EUR 21 406.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 17 124.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 4 281.20

Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Fakultet strojarstva i brodogradnje

Name: Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Fakultet strojarstva i brodogradnje

Department: Department of Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 22910368449

Address: Ivana Lučića, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia

Department address: Ivana Lučića, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.fsb.unizg.hr

Total budget: EUR 32 900.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 26 320.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 580.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Energy Institute at the Johannes Kepler University Linz

Possibilities of Establishing Green Propulsion Shipping Routes on Rivers and Seas

Partners and Projects info

Lviv Polytechnic National University

Possibilities of Establishing Green Propulsion Shipping Routes on Rivers and Seas

Partners and Projects info

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture

Possibilities of Establishing Green Propulsion Shipping Routes on Rivers and Seas

Partners and Projects info

UNIVERSITY OF MONTENEGRO / FACULTY OF MARITIME STUDIES KOTOR

Possibilities of Establishing Green Propulsion Shipping Routes on Rivers and Seas

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Possibilities of Establishing Green Propulsion Shipping Routes on Rivers and Seas

Project acronym: Green-Pro

Project ID: DRP0401348

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2025-08-31

Project status: closed

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 118 496.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 94 796.80

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Report on past and current activities on alternative fuels for ship propulsion of related projects
Report on the existing challenges and gaps, which will be addressed by the main project
Report on the target groups addressed by the main project and their needs
A work plan, describing activities, outputs and expected results of the main project
The composition of the potential project partnership
An indicative budget plan for the main project
The analysis of funding sources for the main project
A road map defining steps to be taken after the seed money project is finalised
Report on community and stakeholders consultations on alternative fuels for ship propulsion
Benchmark analyses on Green propulsion

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The main project will be closely connected to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, as it will contribute to the promotion of environmental sustainability, sustainable transport, innovation, cross-border cooperation, and policy alignment in the region. Through its focus on green propulsion technologies and sustainable shipping practices, the project will support the overall objectives and priorities of the EUSDR, helping to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region. The main aligns with the Connecting the region pillar of the European Strategy for the Danube Region (ESUDR), specifically targeting Priority Area 1A - Waterways mobility with its Action #3: Facilitate fleet modernisation with an objective to develop the Danube fleet in order to reduce emissions of greenhouse gas and air and water pollutants with due regard to the objective of climate neutrality, and to introduce innovation in this sector, and Priority Area 2 - Sustainable Energy, thus encompassing both inland and coastal waterways with two actions, Action #3: To promote decarbonisation and reduction of air pollutants in the transport sector, regarding both public and freight transportation by developing the infrastructure for alternative fuels , and Action #: To improve energy efficient, cost efficient and innovative low-carbon technologies, including smart solutions while respecting the principle of technological neutrality.
EuropeanGreenDeal The main project will strongly contribute the implementation of the European Green Deal. By focusing on decarbonization and clean air policies in shipping, the project will align with the European Green Deal's objective of achieving climate neutrality and promoting sustainable transport. By adopting alternative fuels for ships, technologies, practices, and infrastructure, the main project will actively support the European Green Deal's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transport systems.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The project will be closely aligned with the EU Territorial Agenda 2030, focusing on sustainable and inclusive territorial development. By prioritizing the adoption of green propulsion technologies in waterborne transport, the project directly supports key objectives of the Agenda. Firstly, it promotes sustainable transport systems by aiming to reduce emissions and minimize environmental impact. Secondly, it addresses climate change and environmental protection by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner air and water quality. Additionally, the project enhances territorial cohesion and connectivity by improving transport links and accessibility while minimizing environmental footprint. Moreover, it fosters innovation and smart development through investment in research and development of green propulsion technologies, supporting economic competitiveness and sustainable growth in European regions.
Other The main project will contribute to the implementation of the UN/IMO (International Maritime Organization) revised strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships. Enhanced common ambition to achieve net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or around 2050 is part of the revised IMO GHG Strategy, which was adopted at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80). Another part of the strategy is a commitment to ensure the uptake of alternative zero or near-zero GHG fuels by 2030. Meanwhile, there are indicative check-points for international shipping to reach net-zero GHG emissions in 2030 (by at least 20%, striving for 30%) and 2040 (by at least 70%, striving for 80%). Specifically, the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy aims to cut CO2 emissions per unit of transport work—the carbon intensity of international shipping—by 40% by 2030 on average. New targets have been set for the use of fuels, technologies, and energy sources that produce zero or almost zero greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, these sources are expected to account for at least 5% of the energy consumed by international shipping, with a target of 10%.

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

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

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

2025-12-17

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

138 / 138 (100%)

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

1 413 / 1 413 (100%)

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Possibilities of Establishing Green Propulsion Shipping Routes on Rivers and Seas

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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