Blue Fishers On Green Vessels by Università di Bologna

The BlueFishersOnGreenVessels initiative aims to accelerate the transition of the small-scale artisanal fishing fleet in Emilia-Romagna toward low-emission and fully electric propulsion, building on existing scientific and technological expertise developed through research projects such as INTERREG 3EFISHING. The solution focuses on transferring this knowledge to fishing operators and supporting them in the practical retrofitting of their vessels, enabling a gradual decarbonization of local fisheries and mariculture. Planned activities include disseminating available technologies to fishermen and cooperatives, gathering expressions of interest from operators willing to convert their boats, and designing tailored electric or hybrid refitting plans in collaboration with naval engineering companies, financial experts, and certification authorities. Expected impacts include a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the regional fleet, lower fuel costs for small fishing enterprises, the growth of a local shipbuilding supply chain specialized in low-impact vessels, and enhanced market value for fish products caught with greener boats through sustainability labels. The main challenges (such as the limited financial capacity of small family-run businesses, low initial engagement from operators, lack of suitable port infrastructure, and the need for adaptable technologies) can be addressed through targeted incentives, dedicated financing schemes, strong technical assistance, and the involvement of national and European industry partners. The project is supported by a broad partnership across academia, industry, territorial authorities, and regulatory bodies, ensuring an integrated approach to innovation, certification, and sectoral transition. It also builds on ongoing work from the 3EFISHING project, which is already testing electric retrofitting on pilot vessels and developing the economic and environmental models needed to support a sustainable green transition in small-scale fisheries across the Adriatic.