European Centre for Maritime Retrofit (EC-MaRe)
Horizon Europe Teaming initiative for a Baltic Sea maritime Centre of Excellence
The Estonian Centre for Maritime Retrofit (EC-MaRe) is a Horizon Europe Teaming initiative led by TalTech Estonian Maritime Academy. The project will establish a Centre of Excellence in maritime retrofit, supporting the transformation of ships, ports and maritime logistics towards climate-neutral and technologically advanced operations. Its mission is to accelerate the Baltic Sea region’s transition to net‑zero, cyber‑secure and competitive maritime operations by turning cutting‑edge research into validated pilots, regulation‑ready tools, and a permanent skills pipeline for the sector.
By combining scientific excellence, advanced testing infrastructure and strong industry collaboration with large-scale demonstrations, EC-MaRe will de-risk investment, shorten innovation cycles and strengthen compliance with Fit for 55 and IMO targets, delivering measurable gains in energy efficiency, emissions reduction, digital resilience and sector competitiveness while positioning the Baltic Sea region as a European hub for maritime retrofit innovation.
View EC-MaRe Onepager View slides from Teaming Poposal Webinar
Why EC-MaRe?
The maritime sector faces a historic transformation driven by:
EU Fit for 55 climate targets
the IMO greenhouse gas strategy
rapid digitalisation of maritime operations
increasing cybersecurity risks
At the same time, fleets, ports and supply chains must adopt:
alternative fuels
hybrid propulsion systems
zero-emission technologies
digital optimisation tools
new safety and regulatory frameworks.
The Baltic Sea is one of Europe’s most active maritime regions, yet the region currently lacks a dedicated maritime innovation centre capable of addressing these challenges.
EC-MaRe will fill this gap and accelerate European maritime decarbonisation and technology leadership.
Research Pillars
EC-MaRe research is organised around five interdisciplinary pillars addressing the key challenges of maritime transformation.
EC-MaRe integrates five interdisciplinary research pillars addressing the key challenges of maritime decarbonisation, digital resilience, safety, and regulation.
Together they form a holistic framework enabling the transformation of maritime logistics, energy systems, technologies, and governance across the Baltic Sea region.
Infrastructure and Innovation Ecosystem
Key infrastructure:
Alternative Fuel Engine Testing Lab
Maritime Cybersecurity Lab
Ship Simulator with retrofit modules
Training vessel for real-life pilot testing
EC-MaRe will establish a unique research and innovation environment combining laboratories, simulators and real-world testing platforms.
This infrastructure will enable the full innovation pipeline:
data → research → pilots → policy.
What EC-MaRe delivers for the sector
- Direct value for companies: a Retrofit Hub, Business Accelerator and full‑scale pilots (incl. a co‑financed ship retrofit) de‑risk investment in alternative fuels, hybrid/electric propulsion, digital twins and cybersecurity, shortening innovation cycles and raising TRLs in real operating conditions across fleets, ports and logistics chains.
- World‑class testbeds: an Alternative Fuel Engine Testing Lab (H₂, methanol, ammonia, hybrid systems), an upgraded simulator with retrofit modules, a maritime cyber‑range, and a training vessel, giving SMEs and corporates affordable access to validation, certification‑ready data and operator training.
- Talent pipeline: a Maritime Retrofit PhD School, industrial PhDs, summer schools and mobility schemes that equip engineers, operators and policymakers with the skills to implement green and digital transitions at scale. Industrial PhD scheme development in maritime retrofit.
- Business Accelerator will fast‑track high‑potential SMEs and startups by providing mentoring, testbed access, and co‑development opportunities, enabling rapid validation and market uptake of innovative retrofit and digital maritime solutions.
How the sector is engaged
The Estonian Maritime Cluster co‑leads the Retrofit Hub and convenes shipowners, ports, OEMs and startups for challenge‑driven co‑creation; companies including BHG Estonia, Wärtsilä, ABB, Alexela, Port of Tallinn, Tallink and others have signalled use of labs and participation in pilots, anchoring early demand and co‑funding.
Impact at a Glance
- Competitiveness & jobs: accelerated uptake of low‑emission and digital solutions, creation of startups, and high‑skill roles across the value chain in Estonia.
- Resilience & safety: sector‑specific cybersecurity frameworks and drills for vessels and smart ports.
- Measurable results: 5+ pilots, 100 OA publications, 12–25 PhDs, 8+ accelerated SMEs, 10+ revenue‑generating services, and sustained operations beyond the grant through diversified income.
Nordic-Baltic Partnership for Maritime Innovation
EC-MaRe brings together leading research institutions, industry partners, and innovation organisations from Estonia, Finland, and Norway.
This Nordic–Baltic collaboration combines scientific excellence, industrial expertise, and policy insight to accelerate the transition toward sustainable maritime operations.