Deadline Date: April 14, 2026
The European Commission is requesting grant applications for ports in safely adopting renewable low and zero-carbon fuels to enhance operational efficiency and worker safety.
A comprehensive risk assessment of the introduction of renewable low and zero-carbon waterborne fuels, in maritime and inland port areas. Improve knowledge on the risks posed by the introduction of renewable low zero-carbon fuels. A review of existing regulations, standards, and guidelines, for all EU Member States, with recommendations for updates, harmonisation or new regulations as needed. Define operational improvements required to enhance safety in storage, handling and bunkering of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels. Development of a strategy for skills development for port personnel and stakeholders involved in the handling, storage, and bunkering of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
The rapid transition to low and zero-carbon solutions in maritime and inland waterborne transport requires port authorities and stakeholders to adapt quickly to supply large quantities of renewable fuels and electricity. This shift presents new safety challenges due to the proximity of port operations to populated areas and the complexity of multiple bunkering, storage, and import/export activities. Not all ports can store every type of clean fuel, making transport and distribution safety within the port area critical. Existing EU legislation on port worker safety is limited. HORIZON-CL5-2026-05-D5-13 – HORIZON-CSA HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions has a total budget of €2,000,000 with contributions around €2,000,000.
Proposals are expected to conduct comprehensive reviews of risks associated with these fuels, analyse gaps in regulations, identify inadequately addressed safety risks using HAZID and QRA methods, and develop guidelines and recommendations for safe operations considering port size, services, location, and environmental impact. Standard risk assessment criteria should be developed for ports with similar characteristics, including safety-by-design procedures for new infrastructure. Stakeholder engagement is required to ensure the practicality and effectiveness of proposed guidelines.
Additionally, proposals should include strategies for skills development, engaging social partners and civil society, designing training modules for port personnel, and establishing certification and continuous professional development pathways to maintain safety standards in line with evolving technologies and regulations.
For more information, visit European Commission.
