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

Prospective evaluation of nuclear power potential for shipping (ZEWT Partnership)

Enhanced electric operation and battery durability (ZEWT Partnership)

Innovative Solutions for mitigating the environmental impact of waterborne transport in marine and aquatic Ecosystems (ZEWT Partnership)

Higher Voltage, Megawatt Charging System compatible, modular powertrain for Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDV) (2ZERO Partnership)

Assessing the effect of airport operations on air quality and noise in nearby communities

Novel approaches towards next-generation battery concepts, leveraging the enabling role of innovative advanced materials (BATT4EU and IAM4EU Partnerships)

MSCA Staff Exchanges 2027

Improving socio-economic outcomes for persons with dementia and informal caregivers

Open topic on reinvigorating and shielding European democracy

Open topic: Impact-driven research on realising the full potential of cultural heritage, arts and cultural and creative industries

Increasing knowledge flows to practice within AKIS via EU thematic knowledge hubs

Improving analytical capacity for sustainable competitiveness of the agricultural sector

Strengthening the resilience of European farmers through improved capacity in coping with risks and crises

Strengthening strategic advice and synergies between EU and national Research and Innovation agendas and investments

International dimension of the circular bio-based economy: seeking win-win opportunities

Fostering generational renewal in agriculture via EU advisory network

AI supporting informed advice for farmers and foresters to improve competitiveness and sustainability

MSCA and Citizens 2027

Access to research infrastructure services to enable R&I addressing EU priorities and emerging challenges

Testing and optimising models of co-creation of advanced research infrastructure technologies

Connecting research infrastructures and a wider user community across the European Research Area through access to advanced research infrastructure services

Preparatory phase of new ESFRI research infrastructure projects

Expanding and deepening the EOSC Federation (EOSC Partnership)

Strengthening the potential of the EOSC for knowledge valorisation and industry-academia collaboration (EOSC Partnership)

Access to research infrastructures, their resources and services: large-scale pilots for more integrated scheme across (sub)domains

Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – individual support for evolution, long-term sustainability and emerging needs of pan-European research infrastructures

Pioneering Destination Earth for a Sustainable Future: Large-Scale Pilots and Demonstrators

Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – development of complementarities, synergies and/or integration between a set of pan-European research infrastructures

Space critical equipment for EU non-dependence

Quantum Space Gravimetry topic

Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime EU Grants