Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Maritime sector?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission offers a wide range of funding opportunities specifically designed for the Maritime sector. These include grants through Horizon Europe (the EU's flagship research and innovation programme with a budget of €95.5 billion), the European Innovation Council (EIC) which provides funding for breakthrough innovations, and various sector-specific initiatives. Funding types range from Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) with 100% funding rates, to Innovation Actions (IA) with 70% funding for companies, and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) for networking and coordination activities. Our database helps you find grants that match your organization's specific needs, project stage, and funding requirements.

Question 2

How do I apply for Maritime grants from the EU?

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Maritime sector involves several key steps. First, use Grantalist to identify suitable open calls that match your project idea and organization type. Next, carefully review the call documentation, including eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria, and the work programme. Most EU grants require you to form a consortium with partners from at least 3 different EU member states or associated countries. Once ready, you'll submit your proposal through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, which includes a detailed description of your project, work packages, budget breakdown, and impact assessment. The evaluation process typically takes 3-5 months, after which successful applicants enter grant agreement preparation. We recommend starting your application at least 2-3 months before the deadline.

Question 3

What is the typical funding amount for Maritime EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Maritime sector offer diverse funding levels depending on the programme and action type. Small-scale grants through programmes like EIC Accelerator can start from €500,000 up to €2.5 million in grant funding, plus up to €15 million in equity investment. Collaborative research projects under Horizon Europe typically range from €3 million to €10 million for standard projects, while some large-scale flagship initiatives can exceed €20 million. SMEs and startups often benefit from higher funding rates (up to 70% for Innovation Actions compared to large companies) and access to specialized instruments. The exact amount depends on the specific call topic, project scope, consortium size, and type of activities proposed.

Question 4

Who is eligible for Maritime EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Maritime EU grants extends to a wide range of organizations. Legal entities from EU member states and associated countries (including the UK for some programmes, Norway, Switzerland, and others) are typically eligible. This includes universities and research institutions, large enterprises and multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees, startups and scale-ups, public bodies and NGOs, and international organizations. Some calls specifically target certain organization types, such as SME-only calls or academic-focused research grants. Third-country participation is possible in many programmes, though often without EU funding.

EU Grants for Maritime

Data Space for Manufacturing

Deployment of cutting-edge multi-modal AI-based solutions in medical imaging

Consolidation of the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs with reinforced AI focus)

AI-assisted Methods and Tools for Engineering Automation

Secretariat of the European Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Alliance

SOFT Innovation Prize 2026

European Digital Media Observatory Hubs

Collaboration platform for the European connected and autonomous vehicle of the future

Completion of the initial Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs

Global collaboration action for prevention and treatment of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) in sub-Saharan Africa

Global collaboration action towards better prevention, treatment and clinical management of HIV co-infections or co-morbidities in sub-Saharan Africa

Global collaboration action on climate and health in sub-Saharan Africa

European Universities

Upskilling and reskilling

Global collaboration action for the development of TB drugs for therapy and chemoprophylaxis in adults and children in sub-Saharan Africa

Partnerships for Cooperation - Cooperation Partnerships in the field of education and training submitted by European NGOs

Partnerships for Cooperation - Cooperation Partnerships in the field of Youth submitted by European NGOs 2026

Cooperation Partnerships

Not-for-profit European sport events

Small-scale Partnerships

Capacity Building in the Field of Sport

Alliances for Education and Enterprises

Alliances for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills (implementing the ‘Blueprint')

Alliances for STEM Skills Foundries

European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot

NEWS - Media Literacy

Cross-border renewable energy studies projects

Pillar IV: Advancing Knowledge for ERA

Pillar III: European Citizens' Hackathon Championship

Pillar I: Accelerating open access and research assessment reforms in ERA

Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime EU Grants