How MarLEN is transforming maritime research through collaboration and innovation
A Vision for Collaborative Innovation
Europe’s maritime and inland waterway sectors stand at a critical juncture. The transition to carbon-neutral transport requires more than isolated national efforts—it demands a unified, coordinated approach that brings together the best minds, resources, and technologies across the continent.
The MarLEN project embodies this vision. By building a collaborative European ecosystem for maritime and inland waterway research and innovation, MarLEN is accelerating the shift toward carbon-neutral and sustainable waterborne transport. Rather than working in isolated silos, the project unites ministries, funding bodies, and research programmes from across Europe to create a stable network that supports joint knowledge exchange, coordinated investment, and long-term strategic alignment.
Addressing Critical Challenges
The waterborne sector’s decarbonisation journey faces significant obstacles. Fragmented research agendas, uneven funding landscapes, and limited critical mass for large-scale innovation have slowed progress. Perhaps most critically, the persistent “valley of death” between scientific development and commercial adoption has prevented promising technologies from reaching the market.
MarLEN tackles these challenges head-on by promoting transnational cooperation, shared standards, and synchronised research priorities. The project acts as a catalyst for a more integrated, efficient, and climate-aligned waterborne innovation ecosystem, strengthening the entire innovation chain from fundamental research to market deployment.
Contributing to Europe’s Green Future
MarLEN’s impact extends far beyond the maritime sector. By supporting the Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) partnership’s mission of developing and demonstrating zero-emission solutions for all main ship types and services before 2030, the project directly contributes to the EU’s broader decarbonisation goals.
Through coordinated national research agendas and transnational funding initiatives, MarLEN strengthens the European Research Area while stimulating industrial innovation. This helps companies transform scientific advances into market-ready technologies, bolstering Europe’s competitive position in clean shipping. The benefits ripple outward—supporting port cities and coastal communities while addressing climate and environmental challenges in alignment with the Fit for 55, the Green Deal, and the EU’s 2050 climate-neutrality objective.
Innovative Approaches and Tools
MarLEN’s innovation lies not in creating new tools from scratch, but in connecting what already exists and making it work more efficiently. The project is developing a Waterborne Database—a Europe-wide platform mapping national funding programmes related to waterborne research. By identifying overlaps, gaps, and barriers to cooperation, this tool enables better alignment between countries and supports future co-funded initiatives.
Beyond digital infrastructure, MarLEN leverages webinars, mutual-learning workshops, networking events, brokerage sessions, and targeted outreach to connect researchers, funding agencies, and industry actors across sea basins. The real innovation is the network itself—a sustainable ecosystem capable of accelerating technology uptake and guiding Europe toward zero-emission waterborne transport.
Empowering Local Action
Climate neutrality isn’t just a matter of policy—it requires practical implementation at the local level. MarLEN supports local authorities and communities by providing strategic recommendations that shape national and European policies, leading to more effective regulations and support mechanisms for sustainable maritime transport.
Through mobilisation and mutual learning workshops, the project identifies existing policy, financial, and research gaps, co-designing solutions with experts and end-users. These findings are translated into policy briefs and operational recommendations that guide policymakers, industries, and communities in accelerating the adoption of zero-emission solutions.
MarLEN also makes it easier for local stakeholders to identify opportunities for pilot projects, retrofitting initiatives, and alternative-fuel infrastructure deployment. The project empowers communities with access, knowledge, and partnerships—enabling them to translate climate-neutral ambitions into real implementation at port and territorial scale.
The Power of Collective Effort
As Jöran Ritzke, MarLEN Project Coordinator at Forschungszentrum Jülich, emphasises: “Working towards zero-emission waterborne transport and green shipping requires collective effort and strong coordination between European countries. MarLEN will be a driving force in aligning research efforts, unlocking funding opportunities, and creating a truly integrated European approach to sustainable maritime technologies.”
The most important lesson learned so far? The multi-faceted challenges faced by the sector demand collaborative research, shared resources, cross-border funding, and coordinated strategy. Collective, transnational cooperation—not isolated national efforts—constitutes the backbone of the transition toward zero-emission waterborne transport.
Long-Term Vision and Impact
MarLEN’s ambition extends beyond the project’s lifetime. The goal is to establish a permanent, self-sustaining framework for coordinated waterborne research funding in Europe, reducing fragmentation and fostering long-term alignment between national programmes. The network is expected to broaden participation to additional countries and expand cooperation with international actors, accessing a wider pool of expertise, funding, and industrial capacity.
The expected impact is twofold. Economically, MarLEN aims to enhance the competitiveness of European waterborne industries, attract more investment, and promote cost-effectiveness in funding allocation. Societally, by accelerating the adoption of zero-emission solutions, the project will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality for communities near ports and shipping routes.
What’s Ahead
An activity-rich period lies ahead for MarLEN stakeholders. In spring 2026, the project will launch its second call for transnational projects, open to all stakeholders developing innovative solutions and technologies for zero-emission waterborne transport.
Key upcoming activities include:
- Six Mutual-Learning Workshops in collaboration with the ZEWT Partnership, designed to build capacities and exchange knowledge on zero-emission solutions
- Six Networking and Brokerage Events in cooperation with GREENET and the Blue Technology Cluster, featuring pitching sessions, matchmaking opportunities, and the presentation of the new Waterborne Database
- Publications in specialised and general interest magazines, advancing knowledge in the sector based on project results
All activities will be realised in collaboration with the MarLEN Synergies Network—a cluster of national and European projects fostering cooperation through joint events, cross-communication activities, and knowledge exchange.
Join the Journey
The transition to zero-emission waterborne transport is not just a technical challenge—it’s a collective endeavour that requires the engagement of researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and communities across Europe. MarLEN provides the framework, tools, and network to make this transition a reality.
For more information about the MarLEN project, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved, visit also our LinkedIn!
