European Space Agency: Maritime Ports Decarbonisation

By implementing measures to decarbonise, ports can transform into green hubs that not only minimise environmental impacts but also drive innovation and sustainable economic growth. This transformation is essential for the broader decarbonisation of global trade and transport systems.

This sub-theme includes the following topics, although bidders are encouraged to propose additional services not listed below that contribute to the decarbonisation of ports ecosystems:

• Digitalisation and efficiency improvements: By adopting smart technologies and space-enabled digital platforms, ports can optimise their operations and enhance the efficiency of cargo handling. Efficient port operations improve competitiveness of all parties while reducing fuel consumption, hence directly cutting emissions.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Ports can become renewable energy hubs by integrating solar, wind, and other renewable sources to power their operations and provide clean energy to vessels. Space assets can support the planning and operations optimisation of green energy sources, improving their effectiveness and reliability.
• Green Electrification and Shore Power: Ports play a significant role in reducing emissions from ships during berthing by cold ironing, allowing vessels to plug into the electrical grid instead of using auxiliary engines powered by fossil fuels. Electrifying port operations, such as cranes, vehicles, and cargo-handling equipment, further minimises the port’s own carbon footprint. Space assets can aid in planning and forecasting grid loads to optimise the electrical power infrastructure.
• Port Vehicles Autonomy: Autonomy can be introduced to port land infrastructure, such as cranes and other land vehicles, as well as water vehicles like bathymetric survey vessels. These systems can utilise precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems, as well as reliable hybrid terrestrial/satellite 5G connectivity, to enhance operations. Autonomous systems can often reduce emissions by optimising operations and reducing the size and complexity of the vehicle.
• Monitoring of Emissions: Satellites, in combination with in-situ sensors, can provide critical information on port emissions and their impact on surrounding environments and populations. In addition to monitoring carbon dioxide (CO₂), the increasing adoption of LNG-powered vessels makes the tracking of methane (CH₄) emissions particularly important. Furthermore, monitoring pollutants such as sulphur oxides (SOₓ), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter is essential due to their harmful effects on human health and natural ecosystems.

Value of space

The development of maritime solutions relies on ubiquitous connectivity, persistent monitoring, and effective situational awareness. Some of the uses of various space assets are outlined below.

• Satellite Positioning and Timing: Advanced Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) enable automation by providing precise positioning and timing. For example, Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology can be used for high-accuracy applications such as crane positioning. GNSS also provides ships with accurate positioning data, which feeds into smart platforms and analytical tools to enhance operational efficiency.
• Satellite Communications: Reliable, ubiquitous, and resilient data connectivity is critical for autonomous systems. Hybrid terrestrial/satellite networks can support essential communications infrastructure. Satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) solutions can connect a port’s remote sensors and equipment, while systems such as Satellite Automatic Identification System (AIS) and VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) provide essential information for operations planning and coordination.
• Satellite Earth Observation: SatEO can enhance port situational awareness and support the monitoring of emissions, helping ports optimise operations and reduce environmental impacts.

Who should apply?

ESA are looking for promising business ideas addressing topics of relevance or related areas that propose:

• attractive market opportunities, identified customer needs and customer engagement
• commercially-viable service concepts
• technically feasible solutions
• added value of space data or technology
• motivated teams with business, technical, and financial expertise

For this call, companies residing in ESA Member States will be eligible to apply: this includes the UK.

The initiative is open to the submission of proposals for Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects:

• Feasibility Studies – which provide the preparatory framework to identify, analyse and define new potentially sustainable services (max €500,000 per project, this can cover up to 80% of costs depending on business size)
• Demonstration Projects – dedicated to the implementation and demonstration of pre-operational services (case by case assessment, can cover up to 80% of costs depending on business size)

Benefits and funding

ESA’s offer includes:

• zero-equity funding (50-80% depending on SME Status and Member State Approval)
• technical and commercial guidance
• access to our network and partners
• ESA brand credibility

Support

A supporting webinar will be held on Wednesday 27 November at 11am CET (10am UK time): click here to register for a place.

If you would like help to find a collaboration partner, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Space team or our Transport or Infrastructure teams.