Decarbonisation of Small Boats in the South Adriatic Sea

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Date of latest update: 2026-04-02

Description

Description (EN):

DecarBOATS addresses the shared challenge of decarbonizing maritime transport in the South Adriatic sea, where reliance on fossil fuels and the lack of standardized infrastructures hinder sustainability. The project focuses on green technologies for small boats, a critical but often overlooked part of the maritime sector, with a focus on electrification, which represents a key to decarbonizing maritime mobility and fighting climate change. While larger ships have been already being focused by this transformation, electrifying smaller workboats is essential for a complete transition in the South Adriatic area. At this end, the project will deliver electric propulsion systems, renewable-based charging stations, and energy management tools. These technologies will be implemented and tested in three operational scenarios: i) Waste collection at sea will be performed using an electric boat operated between the port of Termoli and the Tremiti Islands ii) A mobile water analysis laboratory will be created by converting a traditional sailboat in Orikum into a fully energy self-sufficient vessel. iii) An electric boat based in Tivat will be used for pollution monitoring in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, focusing on environmental data collection. Other deliverables include training programs and technical manuals. Beneficiaries include public authorities, maritime operators, SMEs, and research institutions, all of whom will gain access to sustainable technologies and practices. Given the shared maritime borders between Italy, Albania and Montenegro, a cross-border approach is vital for harmonising standards and technologies. Collaboration ensures seamless deployment of electric boats and renewable solutions across the region, fostering regional cooperation and knowledge exchange. The project’s novelty lies in its focus on small boats and the integration of renewable energy sources, setting a new standard for sustainable maritime mobility.

Expected Achievements (EN):

Establishing a comprehensive understanding of the current and future technological, operational, and infrastructural needs for electrifying small boats in the South Adriatic area, enabling informed design and development of sustainable solutions. Designing and implementing advanced electric propulsion systems, renewable energy-based charging infrastructures, and integrated energy management systems tailored to the operational needs of small boats in the envisaged scenarios. Validating the effectiveness and performance of the DecarBOATS implemented solutions through real-world testing, ensuring their scalability and readiness for broader adoption in the South Adriatic region.

Project outputs: DecarBOATS Energy efficiency Decision Support System (DSS)(EN)
Joint Action Plan for Decarbonization of Small Boats in the South Adriatic Region
(EN)

Thematic information

Green technologies Scientific cooperation SME and entrepreneurship

Priority: (VI-A_SA(I-A-M)_PA 2) A greener South Adriatic programme area, by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk management

Priority specific objective: RSO2.1. Promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 044 Energy efficiency renovation or energy efficiency measures regarding public infrastructure, demonstration projects and supporting measures

Partners (6)

Lead Partner: Fondazione di partecipazione DHITECH – Distretto Tecnologico HIGH-TECH

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999705669

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 03923850758 | dhitech@registerpec.it (EN)

Department: DHITECH

Address: Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy

Department address: Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://www.dhitech.it

Total budget: EUR 292 135.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 233 708.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 58 427.00

Opština Tivat

Name: Opština Tivat

Department: Municipality of Tivat

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02014722

Address: Trg Magnolija, 85320 Tivat, Montenegro

Department address: Trg Magnolija, 85320 Tivat, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://opstinativat.me/

Total budget: EUR 178 038.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 151 332.30

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 705.70

Universiteti “Aleksandër Moisiu” Durrës

Name: Universiteti “Aleksandër Moisiu” Durrës

Department: Faculty of Professional Studies

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 951374158

Partner’s ID if not PIC: E10128550

Address: Rr. Taulantia, 2001 Durrës, Albania

Department address: Rr. Taulantia, 2001 Durrës, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://uamd.edu.al/

Total budget: EUR 223 350.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 189 847.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 502.50

Javna ustanova Univerzitet Crne Gore

Name: Javna ustanova Univerzitet Crne Gore

Department: Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999836328

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ME3031039516 | www.ucg.ac.me (EN)

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 115 510.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 98 183.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 326.50

GALMARE “MOLISE COSTIERO”

Name: GALMARE “MOLISE COSTIERO”

Department: SUSTAIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF FISHING AREAS

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 91052420709 | flagmolisecostiero@pec.flagmolise.it (EN)

Address: VIA SANNITICA , 86039 Termoli, Italy

Department address: VIA SANNITICA , 86039 Termoli, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://www.flagmolise.it

Total budget: EUR 115 311.42

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 92 249.13

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 062.29

Istituto Tecnologico Superiore Academy Mobilità Ge. In. Logistic

Name: Istituto Tecnologico Superiore Academy Mobilità Ge. In. Logistic

Department: ITS Mobilità

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 906410681

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 90236980737 | itsgeinlogistic@pec.it (EN)

Address: Piazza Maria Immacolata, 74123 Taranto, Italy

Department address: Piazza Maria Immacolata, 74123 Taranto, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.itsmobilita.it

Total budget: EUR 214 733.36

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 171 786.68

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 946.68

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Tivat

Decarbonisation of Small Boats in the South Adriatic Sea

Partners and Projects info

Aleksandër Moisiu University Durrës

Decarbonisation of Small Boats in the South Adriatic Sea

Partners and Projects info

University of Montenegro

Decarbonisation of Small Boats in the South Adriatic Sea

Partners and Projects info

LAG COASTAL MOLISE

Decarbonisation of Small Boats in the South Adriatic Sea

Partners and Projects info

Higher Technological Institute for Mobility Ge. In. Logistic

Decarbonisation of Small Boats in the South Adriatic Sea

Partners and Projects info

Participation Foundation DHITECH - HIGH-TECH Technological District

Decarbonisation of Small Boats in the South Adriatic Sea

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Decarbonisation of Small Boats in the South Adriatic Sea

Project acronym: DecarBOATS

Project ID: SA-0300456

Project start date: 2025-07-01

Project end date: 2027-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

ENERGIDRICA - Energy efficiency in the management of water networks. (EN) | Building on ENERGIDRICA’s methodologies for energy reduction in water supply systems, DHITECH can apply similar principles to the maritime context of the DecarBOATS project. For example, energy monitoring, advanced analytics for optimizing consumption, and renewable energy integration can be adapted for electric boat propulsion and charging systems. The DSS developed in ENERGIDRICA for water networks can serve as a foundation for DecarBOATS’ own platform, helping to manage energy flows and optimize renewable energy use across various maritime scenarios. (EN), ComESto – Community Energy Storage (EN) | Since ComESto focused on distributed energy storage systems within communities of users (consumers and prosumers), DecarBOATS can capitalize on the key insights and technologies developed by DHITECH. ComESto's real-time management of energy storage and demand-response (DR) strategies, in coordination with renewable energy (FER) sources and producers' storage systems, provides a foundation for DecarBOATS to build on.
By leveraging ComESto’s results, DecarBOATS can integrate similar energy storage and management principles into its maritime context. For example, just as ComESto empowered end-users to become proactive participants in the energy system, DecarBOATS can develop strategies where boat operators actively manage their energy consumption and production (via solar panels and wind turbines) in coordination with shore-based renewable systems.
(EN), SE4I – Smart Energy Efficiency & Environment for Industry (EN) | The SE4I project’s focus on integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and smart infrastructures offers valuable synergies for DecarBOATS, especially in the realm of real-time monitoring and connectivity.
By capitalizing on DHITECH’s expertise in IoT and smart city solutions, new IoT technologies to enhance energy efficiency and data-driven decision-making in maritime applications can be proposed in the DecarBOARS project. SE4I's development of connected infrastructures like smart lighting systems that provide environmental monitoring and real-time data transmission mirrors DecarBOATS’ need for seamless energy and performance monitoring of electric boats
(EN), ERASMUS-EDU-2023-Capacity Building for Higherer Education ”ZERO C” Enhancing knowledge and skills at WB HEIs in preparation for zero carbon maritime transport and logistics society. (EN) | One of the main synergy is represented by the Erasmus+ ZeroC project, aiming to create the necessary prerequisites in Albania and Montenegro for providing competent, industry-oriented, human resources for the shipping industry related to decarbonisation, energy efficiency and logistics optimization. The project already sees the participation of project partners UAMD, UoM and ITS, who are collaborating for this action addressing the issues of decarbonizing maritime mobility, but with a focus on education and training to develop the necessary workforce skills for energy-efficient technologies. The knowledge generated by ZeroC will provide a foundation for DecarBOATS and will be capitalised in its training and awareness efforts. (EN), PORTS PLUS PrOmoting Resilient, Sustainable, and Smart Transport and logistic activities in the South Adriatic Area (EN) | Led by the partner ITS within the Italy Albania Montenegro Programme, this activity developed and delivered the Capacity Building program also focusing on the „Green Ports“ paradigm, referring to ports that are taking proactive measures towards sustainable development and environmental awareness, which might include actions for alternative energy sources usage, waste management, and ecology, IoT and Smart port management, alternative fuels bunkering, etc. The project, which also saw the participation of UoM as partner, mainly organised academic conferences and seminars, whose results have been treasured as basis of discussion to develop the DecarBOATS project concept. (EN), MISTRAL (EN) | The experience gained in promoting Blue Growth in the MED area through open innovation will be leveraged to support the development of similar strategies and networks in the current project. The knowledge of enhancing cross-border collaboration among clusters and networks will be applied to foster innovative partnerships. (EN), ALMARS (EN) | The development of joint degree programs in marine fishery and blue growth in Albania, by the University of Durres, will be expanded to include new curricula and training modules in the proposed project, facilitating a comprehensive approach to sustainable maritime development. (EN), MEP&M (EN) | The establishment of a joint master’s program in Maritime Environmental Protection and Management, by the University of Durres, will provide a foundation for developing further educational programs focused on environmental and sustainability issues. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 139 077.78

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 937 107.11

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 82.27%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 937 107.11. Co-financing rate, 82.27%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Scenarios Analysis Report
Technology Update Report on Boats Electrification
Charging Systems Report
Energy Management Systems Report
Academic Conference Report
Decarbonising small boats mobility in the SA sea campaign
Architecture Design Blueprint
Electric Propulsion System Design Document
Renewable Charging System Design Document
Energy Metering and Monitoring System Design Document
Web-Based Decision Support System for Integrated Data Analysis
Technical Workshop Report
Test Campaign Plan
Test Results Report
DecarBOATS Training Sessions
Joint Action Plan for Decarbonization of Small Boats in the South Adriatic Region
DecarBOATS Final Conference

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion At macro-regional level, DecarBOATS contributes to the EUSAIR Strategy - I Pillar “Blue Growth”. It is particularly coherent with the "Blue Technologies“ topic and its Priority Action “R&D&I platforms on green sea mobility, deep sea resources, biosecurity and bio-technologies”, highlighting the need to develop macro-regional research & development & innovation platforms on selected themes of relevance, among them green sea mobility. The project puts in place actions that are also coherent with the need, recalled by the Action, of establishing “Research platform for green shipping” to develop new materials, sensor technologies shore-based supply of electricity for vessels in ports and to innovative propulsion modes and fuels
Other DecarBOATS aligns with the EU Green Deal by contributing to its key goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. By replacing diesel and fossil-fuel-powered engines with electric propulsion, boats can eliminate CO₂, NOx, and SOx emissions, cutting pollution in coastal areas and waterways. This shift supports cleaner, healthier ecosystems and human environments. Furthermore, electrification fosters innovation in green technologies, creating jobs and advancing Europe’s leadership in sustainable industries, while protecting marine ecosystems from fuel spills and noise pollution.
Other DecarBOATS aligns with the EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, aiming to create greener, more efficient transport systems. Decarbonizing small boats directly supports the transition to clean energy in maritime transport, promoting electric and alternative fuel-powered vessels.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Crna Gora (ME), Tivat, Pine Coast, 85320
Italia (IT), Termoli, Via del porto, Molo Sud, 86039

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, 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 IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-04

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

78 / 78 (100%)

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

369 / 369 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Decarbonisation of Small Boats in the South Adriatic Sea

Description

Thematic information

Partners (6)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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