en.Wedoany.com Reported - The FIT-HORIZONS project brings together 19 maritime companies, researchers, universities, software developers, and technology providers from across Europe, aiming to develop an intelligent and flexible retrofit design environment for low-emission and zero-emission shipping, helping shipping companies decarbonize their existing fleets quickly, safely, and cost-effectively.
Coordinated by SINTEF Ocean in Norway, the project has received nearly €4 million in EU funding. It integrates advanced simulation tools, artificial intelligence (AI)-supported modeling, and operational data into a holistic design framework to simplify and accelerate retrofit decision-making for shipowners. The maritime sector currently accounts for approximately 3% of global CO2 emissions. Although new zero-emission vessels are entering the market, most existing ships are expected to remain in service for decades, making retrofitting the existing fleet crucial for achieving international climate goals. Dr. Kourosh Koushan, FIT-HORIZONS project coordinator and Special Advisor at SINTEF Ocean, stated that the project aims to help the industry make better retrofit decisions by understanding the interactions of different technologies onboard, reducing uncertainty, and accelerating the transition from analysis to implementation.
The project will develop and validate a flexible design environment capable of simultaneously evaluating multiple retrofit technologies, including alternative fuels, electrification, wind-assisted propulsion systems, air lubrication systems, hull modifications, and energy efficiency solutions. Rather than assessing individual technologies in isolation, the platform will analyze the synergistic performance of multiple technology combinations under real-world operating conditions and across different vessel categories.
Based on actual operational ships, the project will deliver six virtual demonstrations covering key European vessel segments such as inland waterways, short-sea shipping, deep-sea shipping, ferries, cruise ships, and offshore vessels. By integrating machine learning, surrogate models, operational data, and high-fidelity simulations, the consortium aims to create a tool environment that supports more reliable, scalable, and commercially viable retrofit decisions across the maritime industry. Øystein Huglen, Head of Technology and Innovation at Maritime CleanTech, noted that the industry needs tools to make identifying the most effective decarbonization route for each vessel easier. This organization is responsible for maximizing the project's impact and market acceptance within the industry.
The FIT-HORIZONS consortium builds on previous European initiatives and introduces new AI-supported methods for maritime engineering and retrofit optimization. The flexible design environment is expected to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7-8 by the project's conclusion in 2029. The consortium will also develop recommendations on best practices, regulatory approval processes, and business models to support the faster market uptake of retrofit solutions. With the implementation of new climate regulations such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the project aims to provide shipowners and designers with practical tools to navigate the increasingly complex transition process.
FIT-HORIZONS partners include: SINTEF Ocean (Norway), Maritime CleanTech (Norway), Friendship Systems (Germany), Vard Design (Norway), Laskaridis Shipping Company (Greece), SimFWD (Greece), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (Italy), Bound4Blue (Spain), Entwicklungszentrum für Schiffstechnik und Transportsysteme (Germany), Atlantec Enterprise Solutions (Germany), Alfa Laval Rotterdam (Netherlands), American Bureau of Shipping (Greece), Hurtigruten (Norway), Tidewater Rederi (Norway), Columbia Shipmanagement (Cyprus), Levante Ferries (Greece), University of Strathclyde (UK), Haeger & Schmidt Logistics (Germany), LMG Marin (France). This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe framework program under grant agreement number 101270016.
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