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

Enabling user-centred and open innovation initiatives to enhance soil health in Ukraine

Supporting post-conflict democracy and reconstruction

Addressing aquatic pollution and biodiversity loss through nature positive solutions from source to sea

Rethinking long-term care policy in the face of EU demographic shifts

Towards a European network of ocean technology testing sites

Regional (sea-basins) components of the EU Digital Twin Ocean

Citizenship education as part of lifelong learning

By fishers, for fishers: co-management of marine and freshwaters ecosystems and resources

Making Europe a global magnet for talent - Attracting and retaining students, researchers and high-skilled workers from outside the EU

Joint demonstration of solutions to build soil resilience to extreme weather events and support food security

Government in transition – how governments change the way they work and prepare the civil service for the future

Open topic: Strengthen Europe's social model and sustainable competitiveness through productivity

Electoral integrity in the digital context

Towards a fair and transparent market for cultural and creative content in the era of generative AI

AI integration in CCSI work practice: catalysing innovation and competitiveness

Tackling gender-based violence against politically active women and LGBTIQ people

Contribution of basic skills to productivity, innovation, competitiveness and economic growth

Boosting creative startups for disruptive innovation

Demonstrating solutions to protect and preserve cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change

“Artistic intelligence” : harnessing the power of the arts to address complex challenges, enhance soft skills and boost innovation and competitiveness

Research Management Facility

Teaming Synergies

Non-thematic development actions by SMEs

Layered critical seabed infrastructure protection

Future multirole light aircraft

Multidomain sensors demonstrator and test

Enhanced medium-size semi-autonomous surface vessels

Integration of Galileo PRS receivers on weapon systems and NAVWAR operational centres in military C2

Transition to low-temperature heating solutions in multi-apartment buildings

Supporting sustainable and smart urban mobility in Europe (CIVITAS)

Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime EU Grants