EU funding boost for alt fuels and offshore charging

Two projects with particular relevance to the workboat sector have been picked as part of a €3.4 billion European Commission funding package aimed at accelerating net-zero technologies.

The CATREF recycled marine fuel project and OffshoreCharge, which will develop offshore charging infrastructure for electric service vessels, are among 77 projects selected under the EU’s Innovation Fund 2025 Net-Zero Technologies call.

The funding, announced on 19 October, is drawn from revenues generated by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

CATREF, led by XFuel Limited in Spain, aims to build and operate a commercial-scale plant that will convert oily marine waste and oil-containing residues into specification-grade recycled marine gas oil.

The project will use XFuel’s proprietary Chemical Liquid Refining technology to produce a drop-in fuel designed to meet ISO 8217, meaning it would not require modifications to vessels or their fuelling infrastructure.

According to the Commission’s project description, CATREF has signed offtake agreements covering up to 84,000 tonnes of fuel a year.

The company intends to demonstrate a model that could be replicated near major ports across Europe and elsewhere, potentially offering an alternative fuel option to diesel-powered vessels.

Offshore charging

OffshoreCharge, led by Denmark-based Stillstrom, aims to install the first commercial Stillstrom Offshore eCharger, enabling fully electric service operation vessels to charge at offshore wind farms. The project will use a 7.5MVA offshore charging system, incorporating components from established suppliers and designed for safe, reliable and independently qualified operation.

The Commission says each charging unit could reduce fuel costs, strengthen offshore wind logistics and open up new markets. The technology could be of interest to workboat operators supporting offshore wind farms as the sector explores ways to electrify vessel operations.

Although both projects have been selected, the actual amount of funding has either not yet been decided or simply not been announced. Project promoters have been invited to begin preparations with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), with final funding amounts, timetables and contractual details due to be confirmed during that process.

The Commission expects the results of the grant-agreement process to be announced in the first quarter of 2027.