R-1-SS Anne Katharina (on the right), the participating vessel in Norway @Len Duevel
The SEAGLOW project is transforming small-scale fishing with sustainable energy, using innovative technologies like hybrid-electric systems in small vessels to reduce fuel dependence and lower the environmental impact of fisheries.
Small-scale fishing boats, a significant part of Europe’s fishing fleet, face unique challenges in the energy transition. Limited space, weight consraints, high upfront costs and training demands make adopting compact, affordable renewable energy systems difficult for fishers.
The Mission Ocean and Waters project SEAGLOW offers innovative solutions to these challenges, aiming to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote sustainable fishing operations in the Baltic and North Sea basins and beyond. On International Day of Clean Energy, we explore how this Horizon Europe-funded project supports the Mission’s goal of achieving a carbon-neutral sustainable blue economy, in line with the European Climate Law and the Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy.
A win-win solution for fishers and nature
SEAGLOW is testing and refining five innovative technologies to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption in the fisheries sector. By equipping boats with hybrid electric drivetrains, methanol-powered engines, advanced polymer-based surface coatings and low-cost permanent sensors, the project collects data to improve these applications.
Four fishing vessels in Denmark, Estonia, Norway and Sweden are participating in these trials, providing valuable insights into how effectively these solutions can cut emissions and reduce fuel use under practical working conditions.
Ester T247, the participating vessel in Denmark @AllanVestergaard
By lowering operational costs, renewable energy sources like methanol and hybrid-electric systems provide substantial socio-economic benefits. ‘Transitioning to sustainable energy is not only essential for meeting the EU Green Deal targets but also for ensuring the long-term economic viability of small fishing communities,’ says Hanne Bregendahl Pihl, Acting Director at the NorthDenmark EU-Office and leader of the SEAGLOW consortium.
A scalable blueprint for renewable energy adoption
SEAGLOW actively involves stakeholders through co-creation workshops, policy advocacy and community-based trials. These trials give fishermen the chance to test the innovative technologies, allowing them to see firsthand how these solutions can reduce costs and improve efficiency when applied to their own vessels.
‘Through these workshops and public engagement, we hope that SEAGLOW can help foster collaboration and ensure that new innovations align with local community goals and needs,’ says Hanne Bregendahl Pihl.
In addition, SEAGLOW will develop sustainable business and financing models and provide hands-on support to encourage the adoption and replication of these technologies. This effort not only benefits fishing communities and the environment but also accelerates the transition to a sustainable blue economy.
Learn more about SEAGLOW at www.seaglow.eu and stay updated with the latest news on Mission projects that are safeguarding marine and freshwater ecosystems, tackling pollution, and promoting a carbon-neutral, circular blue economy.