Marine technology (MarineTech) is shaping how industries interact with and utilise oceans and seas, leveraging advanced innovations to address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities. This dynamic field encompasses technologies ranging from marine robotics and autonomous vessels to renewable energy solutions and advanced marine monitoring systems.
In maritime transportation, MarineTech innovations such as autonomous shipping systems and smart navigation tools are enhancing safety and efficiency while reducing emissions. In the energy sector, offshore wind farms, tidal energy systems, and wave power converters are increasingly integral to Europe’s renewable energy strategy, providing sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Meanwhile, marine monitoring technologies, including underwater drones and sensor networks, are critical for safeguarding marine biodiversity, monitoring pollution, and combating illegal fishing.
While the broader maritime sector has been a cornerstone of global trade and development for centuries, MarineTech remains a specialised and rapidly evolving field. By integrating advanced robotics, AI-driven systems, and state-of-the-art materials, MarineTech is poised to lead the next wave of industrial innovation, enabling more sustainable, efficient, and resilient ocean-related industries.
As industries prioritise sustainability and climate resilience, MarineTech is emerging as a vital player in fostering the sustainable use of ocean resources and driving economic growth within the blue economy.
However, like any rapidly advancing field, MarineTech faces significant challenges that must be addressed. These include the environmental impact of marine infrastructure, the cost and complexity of developing offshore technologies, and the regulatory hurdles associated with maritime innovations. For example, balancing the expansion of offshore wind farms with the preservation of marine ecosystems requires careful planning and collaboration among stakeholders. As MarineTech continues to evolve, the sector must navigate these challenges by prioritizing sustainability, environmental protection, and compliance with international maritime regulations to ensure its advancements are both responsible and impactful. Additionally, the regulatory landscape for MarineTech innovation in the EU itself remains fragmented.
The sector is experiencing steady growth, driven by advancements in maritime transport, renewable energy, and marine conservation. However, obtaining comprehensive and up-to-date data on the MarineTech sector in the EU presents challenges, due overlap within marine industry, which encompasses a wide range of activities, from shipbuilding to marine conservation, making data collection challenging to isolate for MarineTech. Nevertheless, it is of note that advancements in marine monitoring technologies, such as underwater drones and AI-driven sensors, are playing a pivotal role in conserving biodiversity and managing marine resources more effectively.
The EU offers a range of funding opportunities for marine technology through several key programmes, with Horizon Europe being the primary source. Within Horizon Europe, Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy, and Mobility) is a major driver for funding MarineTech research, supporting projects focused on sustainable maritime transport, offshore renewable energy, and climate resilience in marine environments.
Additionally, Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment) provides opportunities for MarineTech applications in areas such as sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and marine biodiversity conservation. This cluster supports innovations aimed at preserving marine ecosystems and promoting the sustainable use of ocean resources.
These diverse funding sources provide significant opportunities for MarineTech to drive advancements in sectors ranging from renewable energy to marine conservation, aligning with the EU’s goals for sustainability and innovation in the maritime domain.
How can we help?
If you have a project idea for which you’d like to make use of funding available to bring it to life, then be sure to get in touch. With over 20 years of experience in funding procurement and participation in over 90 successful EU projects to date, AcrossLimits has a dedicated and experienced team that can help you draft proposals and apply to EU funding opportunities. With our expansive network spanning both the private and public sector as well as academia, we’re in pole position to cater to your needs.
To learn more about how we can help you make your project idea a reality, contact us at: [email protected].
