Cluster 6 (Marine) and Mission to 

Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030

New Projects

Some of the new and interesting awards include AEROSUB - Automated Inspection Robots for Surface, Aerial and Underwater Substructures. The University of Limerick’s Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS) and the SME SurveyLabs are partners. Robots are increasingly used across various fields, and the renewable energy sector’s need for sustainability could benefit from robotic solutions in floating offshore wind farms. The EU-funded AEROSUB project will develop advanced robotic solutions for both fixed and floating offshore wind farms, focusing on improving operation and maintenance procedures to enhance the sustainability of renewable energy in challenging environments.

ERINN Innovation and the Irish Ocean Literacy Network will be engaged in a collaboration tackling aquatic invasive species for healthier marine ecosystems. The GuardIAS project will integrate advanced science, AI and data-driven methodologies to develop tools to detect, prevent and manage Invasive Alien Species. Invasive alien species (IAS) are increasingly disrupting Europe’s aquatic ecosystems - these species spread rapidly, outcompeting native organisms and altering habitats, often with irreversible effects. Invasive alien species also affect human health and economic stability, adding urgency to the EU’s environmental conservation efforts. In this context, the EU-funded GuardIAS project is at the forefront of this mission, aligning with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

Under Cluster 3, the topical VIGIMARE project (Vigilant Maritime Surveillance of Critical Submarine Infrastructure) aims to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure operators to threats against European submarine networks by developing an innovative solution to improve security and reduce the risks of physical attacks and cyberthreats. The project seeks to identify early warning signals and support analysis by mapping submarine systems, assessing vulnerabilities, and creating real-time awareness both above and under the surface of the submarine infrastructure. Gas Networks Ireland and the National Maritime College of Ireland in MTU will be stress testing solutions with data from real incidents and validate it in the Irish Sea whilst contributing outputs to the European Maritime Safety Agency’s (EMSA) Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE). 

Image credit: Jason Clarke 

2025 Work Programmes and upcoming Events

May will see the adoption and publication of single year 2025 work programmes. There are some really interesting opportunities coming up within Cluster 6 and also within the Mission to Restore Our Ocean and Waters which is entering its upscaling and deployment phase.

The European Ocean Days were held in Brussels from 3–7 March. This impactful week brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to address pressing ocean and water challenges and contribute to shaping the future of some upcoming EU policies and initiatives such as the European Ocean Pact. Highlights included the 3rd Annual Forum of the EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’ and the 4th EU Blue Parks Community workshop, which focused on strict protection in European seas. The week served as strong evidence of collective action, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to a sustainable and resilient blue future.

The most recently available funding opportunities, upcoming events and further resources can be accessed by visiting the Mission Ocean and Waters Service Portal.

Cluster 6 Information Days and brokerage events - 20th-21st May

Join the Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Information Days to learn more about the topics of the forthcoming Work Programme 2025.

The online event will cover:    

·      Insights into the policy context

·      A ‘key-to-success' session focused on guidance and tips for quality proposals

·      Pitches for each of the topics from the Work Programme 2025

·      A session on COFUND partnerships’ topics

As a complement to the Info Days, the CARE4BIO project, will organise two additional events in Warsaw (Poland) for potential applicants.

27 May 2025: Brokerage event (on-site) It will offer networking and matchmaking opportunities for prospective applicants. Registration

28 May 2025: On-site interactive training for applicants Registration (Limited number of participants).

European Maritime Day – Cork – 21st to 23rd May

And finally, closer to home Cork will proudly host European Maritime Day this year! It is the annual event during which Europe’s maritime community meet to network, discuss and outline joint action on maritime affairs and sustainable blue economy. Registration is now open. It features inspirational speakers, thematic sessions, stakeholder workshops, exhibition and lots of networking opportunities. The EMD targets professionals from businesses, governments, public institutions, NGOs and academia as well as EU citizens interested in the sea.

There are also plans for public outreach events on Friday and Saturday 23rd-24th May with the RV Tom Crean, the ILV Granuaile , and Naval vessels all located along Kennedy Quay in the city. The Marine Institute and BIM will also have public exhibition spaces adjacent to the vessels with BIM featuring the Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC) at the centre of their exhibit.

Please keep an eye across Marine Institute social media channels for all of the details. Registration for the formal events can be accessed now and will close on 10th May. There will be loads happening for all ages so hope to see you there!