EU-funded HY2FISH project sets sail for greener fishing. Photo: CEPESCA
The European Commission (DG MARE) and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) have launched the HY2FISH project, a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of fishing vessels.
The HY2FISH project, funded with €2.2 million under the Pilot Projects and Preparatory Actions scheme, began in December 2024. The initiative aims to retrofit a demonstrator fishing vessel operating off the Spanish coast, targeting a 40% reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Coordinated by ARVI, a cooperative of fishing vessel owners based in Vigo, Spain, HY2FISH unites 11 partner organisations from eight European countries: Spain, Italy, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Greece, Lithuania, and Germany. Notably, Ireland, a prominent fishing nation, is absent from this project—a gap that may raise questions within its fishing community about its exclusion from the EU-funded sustainability efforts.
Over the next three years, the HY2FISH consortium will design, test, and validate cutting-edge technologies to promote more sustainable fishing practices. Key innovations include recyclable hull appendages to improve vessel efficiency and reduce underwater noise, hybrid propulsion systems featuring hydrogen rotary generators, fuel cells, and marine batteries for cleaner energy use, and lightweight, flexible photovoltaic panels to harness renewable energy.
These advancements aim to set a new standard for greener fishing vessels, aligning with the European Commission’s goals for the energy transition in the EU Fisheries and Aquaculture sector.
By demonstrating scalable and cost-effective solutions, HY2FISH is poised to influence the future of the fishing industry across Europe. The project not only addresses environmental concerns but also promises operational savings for vessel owners.
Ireland’s absence from the project, however, may fuel discussions about its role and representation in EU initiatives targeting sustainable fisheries, particularly given its significant maritime sector.
As the HY2FISH project progresses, stakeholders across Europe will be watching closely to assess its impact on emissions reduction and operational efficiency. Its success could serve as a template for further innovation in the sector, ensuring a balance between economic viability and environmental responsibility.
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