IF26 Maritime Call: Innovation Fund Support for Low- and Zero-Carbon Maritime Technologies
The IF26 Maritime Call funds first-of-a-kind low- and zero-carbon technologies in the maritime sector. It operationalises the “special attention” foreseen for maritime under the EU Emissions Trading System and supports the priorities of the Industrial Maritime Strategy of March 2026.
The call funds projects that deliver structural, measurable and highly replicable greenhouse gas emission reductions in maritime transport, including fleet modernisation and port ecosystem upgrades.
What the IF26 Maritime Call Funds
A targeted grant call under the Innovation Fund supporting projects that accelerate modernisation of the commercial fleet, upgrade port ecosystems, and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of maritime transport.
Eligible Areas
In line with the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, eligible areas include:
- advanced energy efficiency measures;
- sustainable alternative fuels;
- electrification;
- zero-emission propulsion technologies, including wind-assisted technologies;
- innovative port infrastructure.
Maritime projects that involve alternative fuel production may also be relevant to the IF26 Hydrogen Auction (alternative fuels). Projects involving process heat aspects may be relevant to the IF26 Heat Auction (process heat aspects).
Eligibility
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum CAPEX | €2.5 million |
| Maximum CAPEX | No upper limit stated |
| Funding source | EU ETS allowance auctioning |
| Eligible countries | European Economic Area |
Award Criteria
Proposals are assessed against five standard criteria, aligned with the NZT framework:
- Degree of innovation
- Greenhouse gas emission avoidance
- Project maturity
- Replicability
- Cost efficiency
Timeline
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Planned |
| Opening | December 2026 |
| Closing | April 2027 |
| Stakeholder consultation | 19 June 2026 (held) |
Always verify current dates in the official call document.
Book an IF26 Maritime Readiness Call
Official sources
FAQ
What does the IF26 Maritime Call fund?
First-of-a-kind low- and zero-carbon technologies in the maritime sector, including energy efficiency, alternative fuels, electrification, zero-emission propulsion and port infrastructure.
What technologies are eligible?
Advanced energy efficiency, sustainable alternative fuels, electrification, zero-emission propulsion (including wind-assisted), and innovative port infrastructure.
What is the minimum CAPEX?
€2.5 million.
What are the award criteria?
Degree of innovation, GHG emission avoidance, project maturity, replicability and cost efficiency.
When does the Maritime Call open and close?
The Commission currently plans an opening in December 2026 and a closing in April 2027. Verify the final dates in the official call document.
Can port infrastructure projects apply?
Yes. Innovative port infrastructure is an eligible area.
IF26 Maritime scope, timelines, eligibility and funding routes depend on the official call document and European Commission decisions. This page is for general information and does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of funding.
