SEAGLOW

Context

The European fishing fleet relies heavily on imported fuels, making the food supply chain extremely vulnerable in future crises. This has highlighted the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, in line with the ambitions of the European Green Pact, to achieve climate neutrality in the EU by 2050.

On the other hand, the Baltic is one of the world’s most active seas. Fishing and shipping release large quantities of nitrogen oxides, black carbon, sulphur dioxide, non-methane volatile organic compounds and particulate matter, as well as greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide, CO2), which cause health problems for both marine life and citizens.

On top of all this, there is the fear of policy makers to implement environmental policies for fear of causing economic damage to the industry.

In this context, it is vital to demonstrate that a win-win scenario is possible by allowing sustainable fisheries while preserving wealth and opportunities for the whole community.

Expected results

• A portfolio of safe and sustainable pilot experiments to reduce energy consumption, which will be tested in real operating/fishing conditions for at least two seasons. These pilots cover a wide range of technologies, ranging from powertrains, including methanol and hybrid electric systems, suitable for integration in vessels under 12m, innovative hull coatings and advanced sensor technologies, which will provide high quality data on project results as well as recommendations on fuel consumption improvements.
• A full set of Life Cycle Analyses for the pilot projects, highlighting benefits and potential pitfalls, which will be incorporated into policy briefs and workshops. These analyses will be accompanied by a full set of case documentation demonstrating their effectiveness and costs under operational conditions, facilitating procurement/investment decisions and accelerating their use.
• A set of tools and dissemination channels to extend learning on SEAGLOW pilots, business models and financing options to other regions and sectors.
• Raising awareness at the political level of the opportunities and potential of the SEAGLOW pilot projects, leading to legislative support, improved policies for fishing communities, improved environmental conditions for citizens and potentially improved environmental conditions for fishing communities, improved environmental conditions for citizens and potentially increased investments in sustainable fisheries.