The maritime sector is facing an unprecedented deep decarbonisation challenge. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has enforced strict targets to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 20% and aiming for 30% by 2030 and 70% and aiming for 80% by 2040, both relative to 2008, to reach net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050. The recently adopted Fit for 55 legislative package of the European Union also limits the CO₂ emissions for vessels calling EU ports. Although it is expected to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, such as ocean shipping, it is equally important to decarbonise other (easier-to-abate) sectors like short-sea or coastal shipping. Research in shipping focus on the use of i) alternative green fuels (i.e., Hydrogen, Ammonia, Biofuels, etc.), ii) carbon capture (utilisation) and storage solutions, iii) fuel cells and batteries, iv) support from renewable energy sources (i.e., wind, solar).

ZEST is the CMMI Research and Innovation Mission Unit that aims to make the sustainable Blue Economy carbon-neutral by:

• Conducting research to support the green transition of the maritime industry
• Developing infrastructure to test industrial applications
• Optimising vessel design and operations to improve performance efficiency
• Designing multi-purpose autonomous platforms
• Promoting the outcomes of the research in fora based on the targeted audience

The Zero Emission Sea Transporter (ZEST) project will act as a research platform and a contributor to achieving the set aims. Designing and constructing a zero-emissions electric vessel using the national know-how of industrial and research organisations can be a realistic solution for short-sea routes to address the decarbonisation challenges of the local coastal fleet of Cyprus. The project also aims to develop a digital twin/ mimic of the vessel in order to calculate the CO₂ emissions on an operational Life Cycle and cradle-to-the grave analysis which will eventually be further enhanced to monitor the energy flow (sinks and sources) of ZEST.

Mission Unit Manager: Angelos Ktoris

Contact Information: MOSTEC@cmmi.blue