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Description
The project is committed to bringing together stakeholders with a significant potential and large interest for innovation and development. Regardless off differences in size and population, partner’s countries face common environmental challenges concerning resource limitations and vulnerability to climate change. The global maritime industry’s market has undergone disruptive changes over the past ten years which especially impacted European shipbuilding industry. The shipbuilding crisis requires the design of innovative solutions and development of new technologies. Our mission is to bring together members, interested in zero-emission vessels, and provide long-lasting and tailor-made solutions that should increase innovation ability across the EEA.
The aim of the project is to establish a sustainable and efficient network for the development of innovative zero-emission vessels. The transnational partnership will open up a wider market and help members of the ZEVinnovation HUB to enter the international supply chain. We facilitate supporting innovators, SMEs, ROs, clusters and other organisations. Our ambition is to contribute to the strengthening of the transnational eco-system through the implementation of pilot programs focusing on the collaborative development and market uptake of zero-emission vessels, while connecting the capacities of the EEA countries that have a strong maritime tradition and current pioneering initiatives.
Summary of project results
The ZEVinnovation project addressed the critical needs for advancing zero-emission technologies, specifically targeting the gap between innovation and market application in the blue maritime sector. The global maritime industry''s market has undergone disruptive changes over the past ten years which especially impacted European shipbuilding industry. Global demand for new ships recorded negative trends in all segments, except in the segment of passenger vessels. Asia is fully dominant in global shipbuilding industry, while Europe has focused on development and production of passenger and specialized (high-tech) vessels. The shipbuilding crisis requires the design of new solutions and the development of new technologies, while environmental protection regulations are one of the main factors which direct the further development of this traditionally important industry for the European economy.
Focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the project''s core activities involved developing new technologies and products like the Energate and Bumblebee, fostering a mentorship network, and enhancing cross-border collaboration to equip SMEs with innovative tools and pathways to market success.
Significant achievements of the project included the protection of intellectual property protection, the establishment of a supportive network for zero-emissoin innovations for the maritime industry, and the successful market entry of new technologies and products. The establishment of an digital platform ZEVinnovation HUB and its innovation management system ensured the sustainability of the project after its life cycle.
For SMEs, the project delivered concrete benefits, such as access to cutting-edge technologies and expanded international market opportunities, underlined by the successful launch and protection of innovative energy solutions. The project''s success in bridging the innovation-market gap has made a tangible difference, enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs within the clean maritime sector.
The ZEVinnovation project significantly advanced electric vessel research & development, emphasizing transnational collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovations made by SME. The project consortium established a multinational network of stakeholders, fostering enduring partnerships and joint initiatives in the field of zero-emission vessels and related alternative technologies. The ZEVinnovation HUB, a technology-sharing platform with its innovation management system enhanced the sector''s knowledge base, particularly benefitting SMEs. ZEVinnovation mentorship achieved SME growth, leading to two intellectual property protection (one trademark Energate, two industrial design Bumblebee). The ZEVinnovation HUB and its stakeholders are jointly looking for ways to reduce maritime emissions and aligning with sustainability goals. The transnational collaboration encouraged cultural exchange and mutual learning between large, medium and smal-sized stakeholders. Therefore, the ZEVinnovation project not only met its initial objectives but also paved the way for ongoing sector development, demonstrating a successful model for collaborative innovation in electric vessel manufacturing.
The ZEVinnovation project''s significance extends beyond its immediate achievements, contributing to the global maritime energy transition by showcasing how international collaboration can amplify the impact of zero-emission technologies. Its lasting influence is expected to foster ongoing innovation and cooperation, bolstering EEA leadership in the clean energy domain and supporting the broader objectives of marine ecosystem sustainability and economic growth through innovation.
Summary of bilateral results
The involvement of a transnational project partnership significantly enhanced the ZEVinnovation project, offering advanced knowledge, and a wider perspective on sustainable marine solutions. This transnational partnership was crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring project success, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges. The donor partners, i.e. the expertise partners Vinco Innovation AS and AAKP shared the know-how and provided support in all phases of the project implementation. Their support also ensured successful development of the innovation management system implemented in the ZEVinnovation HUB digital platform.