European Space Agency: Maritime Decarbonisation - Green Fuels

This call is the final sub-theme of the umbrella Maritime Decarbonisation call. The objective of this call’s sub-theme is to develop new services that support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, with a focus on green fuels and green propulsion systems.

Driven by the introduction of new regulatory frameworks such as FuelEU, EU ETS, and the ongoing negotiations at the IMO, expected to conclude in 2025, the maritime industry has embarked on a journey to decarbonise the sector. This transformation comprises multiple elements, with carbon-neutral fuels at its core.

The first alternative fuels solutions have emerged in the form of LNG (1,239), LPG (139), methanol (35), hydrogen (3), and ammonia (1) (source DNV Maritime Forecast 2050). These figures illustrate that the industry has multiple pathways to green fuel, each presenting unique challenges.

This sub-theme addresses the opportunities to leverage on space technology arising for the adoption of green fuels, as well as green propulsion systems such as wind propulsion, and carbon capture technologies. Below are some examples of relevant applications, though bidders are encouraged to propose additional services that contribute to the adoption of green fuels and propulsion systems enabled by space technologies:

• Green Fuels Supply Chain Optimisation: Satellites provide global monitoring and communication infrastructure, enabling the tracking and prediction of supply patterns and demand. Suppliers can use this data to optimise the movement of fuel from production sites to distribution centres, improving visibility and ensuring timely deliveries. Earth observation satellites can also monitor fuel storage facilities and pipelines for leaks, damage, or irregularities, helping to prevent fuel loss, environmental disasters, and operational disruptions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Space data can facilitate compliance verification associated with the use of green fuels, including fleet compliance management.
• Support for Supply Chain and Bunkering Infrastructure: Technologies developed for cryogenic fuel storage in space can be applied to hydrogen and LNG bunkering (e.g. space heritage traceability must be provided).
• Bunker-Specific Smart Routing: Space data can enable smart routing for bunker operations, considering bunker performance and environmental requirements. For example, green fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and LNG require stable operating conditions to maximise efficiency.
• Improving Reliability of Safety-Critical Systems: Fuels like ammonia (toxic), hydrogen (highly flammable), and methanol (flammable and corrosive) present additional risks. Preventive maintenance and active monitoring through IoT can help mitigate these risks.
• Carbon Capture Systems: Space technology transfers, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), can be used to absorb and store CO₂. Satellite navigation and connectivity can enhance the operations and efficiency of carbon capture systems.
• Supply Chain Transparency: Satellites can help secure fuel supply chains by integrating with blockchain technology. By providing verifiable data on fuel movements, satellite systems can reduce fraud, ensure accountability, and enhance supply chain transparency.
• Optimisation and Monitoring of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems: Space-enabled solutions can support wind-assisted propulsion systems through forecasting and nowcasting of wind conditions, optimised wind-assisted routing, and verification of emissions compliance.

By leveraging space-based technologies, the maritime sector can accelerate its transition to greener energy sources and propulsion systems, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.

Who can apply?

The call is open to companies residing in ESA member states (this includes the UK). Authorisation of Funding letters from the corresponding National Delegations are required as part of the application.

Rewards and benefits

ESA offer funding and support to companies, both for business case assessment and for the development of new, space-based services. The offer includes:

• zero-equity funding (50-80% depending on SME Status and Member State Approval) of up to €500,000 for feasibility studies, with case by case assessment for demonstration projects
• technical and commercial guidance
• access to our network and partners
• ESA brand credibility

Webinar briefing

A supporting webinar will be held on Thursday 20 March at 11am CET (10am UK time). Details are at the link below.