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

Vocational Education and Training: Improving transparency and recognition of VET qualifications

Digital Education: Public-private partnerships for ethical design, development and use of Artificial Intelligence tools in education and training

Micro-credentials – focus on eco-systems

MSCA COFUND 2026

Adult Education: Motivation in Motion: Empowering Adults to Up- and Reskilling

Adult Education: Support to the Regional Skills Partnerships in the Pact for Skills

European VOD networks and operators

Digital Education: AI-powered Personalised Learning Pathways for Basic Skills

Call for proposals to National Roma Contact Points

Twinning

Large-scale demonstration of Heavy-Duty Battery Electric Vehicles (HD BEV) towards long-haul logistics operations (2ZERO Partnership)

Ports of the future (ZEWT Partnership)

Non-exhaust emissions in road and railway transport

Boosting sustainable competitiveness in rural areas through innovation

Shipyards of the future (ZEWT Partnership)

Boosting plant health and reducing losses on farm and during storage for sustainable growth in Africa (FNSSA)

Energy-efficient software-defined EVs (2ZERO Partnership)

Networks of European Festivals

Disruptive Technologies and Innovative Concepts for Energy Saving Onboard of long-distance ships (ZEWT Partnership)

Sustainable and healthy diets for cardiovascular diseases prevention with the support of digital applications

Safety of renewable low and zero-carbon waterborne fuels in port areas: risk assessment, regulatory framework, and guidelines for safe bunkering, handling and storage (ZEWT partnership)

Developing innovative phytosanitary treatments for regulated plant pests to support safe international trade

Boosting the competitiveness of protein crops in Europe

Open topic: Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural sector by enhancing the efficient and sustainable use of agricultural production factors

Advancing basic knowledge and developing tools for sustainable management of key migratory fish species

Strengthening the EU plant protection ecosystem for a future-proof agriculture

Living labs to enhance soil health in managed forests and in natural/semi-natural lands

Tackling pesticide resistance: early detection, management strategies, and foresight

Towards the water infrastructures of the future

Towards more effective, fair and coherent policies for climate change mitigation and adaptation in agriculture and forestry

Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime EU Grants