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

Innovative approaches for the deployment of Positive Energy Districts

Demonstration of thermal energy storage solutions for solar thermal plants and systems

Large-scale production of liquid advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin

Understand and minimise the environmental impacts of offshore wind energy

Innovative pathways for low carbon and climate resilient building stock and built environment (Built4People Partnership)

Innovative tools and services to manage and empower energy communities

Innovative solutions for a generative AI-powered digital spine of the EU energy system

Competitiveness, energy security and integration aspects of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin value chains

New CO2 capture technologies

Improved reliability and optimised operations and maintenance for wind energy systems

De-risking wave energy technology development through transnational pre-commercial procurement of wave energy research and development

Extending the lifetime of crystalline silicon PV modules (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Towards commercialisation of Perovskite PV and development of dedicated manufacturing equipment (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Development of innovative solutions strengthening the security of renewable energy value chains

Underground Thermal Energy Storage in dense urban areas

Optimal combination of low embodied carbon construction products, technical building systems and circularity principles for climate neutral buildings (Built4People Partnership)

Smarter buildings as part of the energy system for increased efficiency and flexibility – Societal Readiness Pilot

Space Data Economy

Innovative space-based applications enhancing capabilities for a resilient Europe

Lab to Fab Accelerators for Advanced Packaging and heterogeneous integration

advanced packaging of chiplets and heterogeneous integration in Europe

European co-development

Accelerating Physical AI: Embodied Intelligence for the Next Frontier of AI-Powered Robotics

Capacity Building in the field of Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Translating Disruptive New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into Practice

Capacity Building in the field of Youth in Neighborhood East

European Youth Together 2026

Capacity Building in the field of Youth in Western Balkans

Capacity Building in the field of Youth in South Mediterranean Countries

Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime EU Grants