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Anna-Katherina2-Roar Ydstebø and Jens Deppe

October 22 2025

Testing Tomorrow’s Antifouling: The Ecoating Application on Anna Katharina

Seaglow team News Ecoating, Norway, pilot 0

At the beginning of September 2025, the Norwegian fishing vessel Anna Katharina was hauled ashore at Kvitsøy for a comprehensive hull treatment. As part of the ongoing SEAGLOW project, the vessel was selected to trial an innovative antifouling technology intended to enhance durability and reduce environmental impact.

The work was undertaken at Ymas Båt & Maskin, with several local contractors contributing their expertise. The objective was to remove all old paint layers and rebuild the hull protection from the bare substrate upwards. This included the application of International’s VCTar2 epoxy primer, followed by SEAGLOW consortium partner Clean Ocean Coatings’ Ecoating – a two-component foul release coating system incorporating nano-particles within a polymer matrix.

Surface preparation

On 1 September, Anna Katharina was slipped from the water and subjected to high-pressure washing to remove marine growth and surface fouling. The following day, Haugaland Blåseservice carried out a full sandblasting of the hull, effectively removing all previous coatings down to the original gelcoat. With the substrate exposed, minor repairs were made to the gelcoat to restore integrity and ensure a smooth surface.

Subsequent preparation involved thorough sanding and cleaning to promote optimal adhesion for the new primer. This careful groundwork is essential to the long-term performance of any coating system, and laid the foundation for the subsequent application stages.

Primer application: VCTar2

Once surface preparation was complete, the primer system was applied. A total of five layers of International VCTar2 were applied by roller, with appropriate curing intervals between each layer. VCTar2 is a two component epoxy-based primer designed to protect against water ingress and osmosis, providing a robust and impermeable foundation for the topcoat.

The result was a uniform, well-sealed surface, ensuring both protection and adhesion for the final antifouling coating.

Antifouling application: Ecoating

With the primer fully cured, preparations began for the application of the Ecoating system. The hull above the waterline was carefully masked with protective sheeting, and a Graco XP70 plural-component spray unit was installed.

Ecoating is a two-component foul-release product comprising a polymer matrix reinforced with nano-particles. It is designed to deliver extended service intervals compared with conventional self-polishing or ablative coatings. The system combines the hardness and smoothness of ceramics with the flexibility of polymers, producing a durable, easy-to-clean surface.

Some initial challenges arose in sourcing personnel with experience in operating the Graco XP70 spray equipment and applying the two-component system. However, with assistance from Norspray in Stavanger, the application was successfully completed. Two layers of Clean Ocean Coatings’ red Ecoating were applied evenly across the hull, resulting in a smooth, consistent finish.

A key advantage of Ecoating is its reduced environmental impact. Unlike traditional antifouling systems, which rely heavily on release of biocides and microplastic, Ecoating has no leaching into the marine environment. Its hard,non-porous surface is intended to resist fouling and can be cleaned mechanically without abrasion or degrading the coating. Additionally, the smooth surface enables the so-called foul release effect – with enough speed of the boat, the fouling will fall off due to the hydrodynamic shear forces.

Initial results

Following application, the coating was allowed to cure, with minor roller touch-ups carried out as required. By the end of the week, Anna Katharina was relaunched and returned to service.

The vessel presented an excellent visual result, with a bright and uniform hull finish. After several weeks of operation at sea, early impressions are positive. Nevertheless, the long-term performance of Ecoating under operational conditions will be monitored closely to assess its durability, fouling resistance, and cleaning characteristics.

Conclusion

The hull treatment of Anna Katharina successfully combined a convential two component epoxy primer system with an advanced, spray-applied foul-release technology. The project demonstrates that two-component systems such as Ecoating can be effectively applied to smaller vessels within the fishing fleet, expanding the scope of sustainable hull protection technologies.

If long-term performance data confirm the anticipated benefits – including improved durability, reduced maintenance requirements, and a lower environmental footprint – Ecoating may represent a significant advancement over conventional self polishing antifouling paints.

Photos @Seaglow

October 6 2025

SEAGLOW at the Mission Ocean and Waters Conference in Nyborg

Seaglow team News 0

On the 23-24 September 2025 SEAGLOW was represented at the Mission Ocean and Waters Conference in Nyborg, Denmark – a gathering that brought together European stakeholders to discuss the EU’s ambitions to protect and restore our oceans, seas, and waters. The conference offered an inspiring platform for dialogue on how research, innovation, and collaboration can drive sustainable change.

Asger Bjerregaaard Christiansen from North Denmark EU-Office showcased SEAGLOW’s work and engaged with participants at the project stand.

In addition to presenting SEAGLOW’s objectives and ongoing activities, Asger also introduced two of SEAGLOW’s sister projects: REFEST and H2SEAS. Both projects address complementary challenges in the maritime and energy sectors, and their synergies with SEAGLOW highlight how collaborative efforts can create broader impact across regions and industries.

The conference provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen networks, and underline the importance of joint European initiatives in tackling the pressing challenges facing our marine environments.

We thank the organizers for an excellent program and all participants for their curiosity, questions, and interest in SEAGLOW’s mission.

Read more about the conference here: Mission Ocean Conference: Danish EU Presidency | The Event

June 18 2025

SEAGLOW Hosts Second Consortium Meeting in Gothenburg to Advance Sustainable Innovation in Small-Scale Fisheries

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18 June 2025, Gothenburg – This week, the SEAGLOW consortium met in Gothenburg for two days of focused collaboration, hosted by partner the RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. Partners from across Europe came together to exchange knowledge, assess progress, and align the next steps in the project’s mission: delivering practical, low-emission technologies for small-scale fishing vessels.

Funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, SEAGLOW is developing and demonstrating hybrid-electric drivetrains, antifouling coatings, and real-time energy performance tools—all tailored to meet the operational realities of small-scale fishing fleets. The Gothenburg meeting marked a key moment in the project’s journey toward full-scale pilot testing.

Gothenburg’s Electric Boat Fair

Before the formal meeting began, SEAGLOW was on display at “Enjoy the Silence”, Sweden’s flagship electric boat fair, held from 14–16 June in the heart of Gothenburg. The project team engaged with boatbuilders, innovators, and curious members of the public. The fair proved a valuable opportunity to raise visibility, gather feedback, and build momentum ahead of the consortium gathering.

Strengthening Collaboration and Sharing Insights

The internal meeting opened with strategic updates from the coordination team of NDEU, covering project management, communication activities, and recent achievements. Partners’ discussed reporting and administrative matters alongside how to ensure the smooth running and implementation of technical progress across all work packages.

A standout moment of the day was a collaborative session with REFEST, a fellow Horizon Europe project focused on retrofitting existing fishing vessels with efficient, easy-to-deploy technologies. The REFEST team shared lessons learned and explored potential synergies—from propulsion systems and retrofit strategies to shared policy outreach. The Project Advisor from CINEA, who oversees both projects, joined the discussion to support collective reflection and exchange—highlighting a growing spirit of collaboration and clustering among European marine innovation initiatives.

A tour of RISE’s marine research facilities followed, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the testbeds and infrastructure that are helping assessing SEAGLOW’s ideas feasibility.

Upcoming milestones

Day two of the meeting was devoted to technical deep-dives, with each of SEAGLOW’s five core work packages presenting their upcoming deadlines and deliverables:

WP1 (AZTI): : Policy framework for an effective small-scale fisheries decarbonisation
WP2 (SINTEF): Preparation and baseline measurements
WP3 (DTI): Implementation in real-life working conditions in fishing vessels
WP4 (RISE): : Environmental evaluation & validation of solutions demonstrated
WP5 (FBCD): Commercialisation, exploitation, & economic sustainability

The presentations sparked thoughtful discussion around design challenges, demonstration timelines, and stakeholder engagement strategies. The day concluded with a project-wide wrap-up, consolidating key actions and preparing the consortium for the crucial demonstration phase.

Looking Ahead

With a strong collaborative foundation and growing visibility across Europe’s maritime innovation landscape, SEAGLOW is entering a pivotal stage. Over the coming months, its technologies will be trialed aboard four demonstration vessels operating in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Estonia.

As testing moves from the lab to the water, the project remains focused on its core ambition: helping small-scale fishers transition to cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable practices—without compromising on safety, performance, or economic viability.

Stay connected with SEAGLOW for the latest updates, pilot results, and upcoming events as the project continues to chart a greener course for Europe’s fisheries.

May 5 2025

From Insight to Action: how ETP Stakeholders are Advancing Towards Smarter Energy Solutions for EU Fisheries

Seaglow team News 1

Seaglow is at the forefront of advancing the energy transition in the European Union’s fisheries, with a particular focus on ensuring that small-scale fisheries (SSF) have access to the technological solutions necessary to address emerging challenges while meeting regulatory requirements.

In pursuit of this objective, Seaglow actively follows the work of the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) for EU fisheries and aquaculture sector, an initiative launched by the European Commission in 2023. The ETP provides a collaborative platform for a wide range of stakeholders to tackle the complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy.

The work of the ETP focuses on knowledge sharing on innovation, technologies, skills, and finance to support the sector’s transition towards climate neutrality by 2050. A key activity in achieving this goal is the establishment of a Support Group (SG) to the ETP — a collaborative, bottom-up, and voluntary advisory body that brings together representatives from all major segments of the sector, ensuring that diverse perspectives are reflected in shaping the transition. The SG is structured around ten thematic working groups, each focused on a key area of the transition, and led by a representative acting as group coordinator. Two partners of the Seaglow consortium play leading roles in this structure by acting as SG Coordinators, helping to facilitate the strategic direction and outputs of the Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries and Research Organisations and Academia groups. Through these roles, Seaglow aims to positively contribute to discussions on innovation, investment, capacity building, and regulatory alignment.

These coordinated efforts will feed into the ETP recommendations, to inform the future Energy Transition roadmap that sets out tangible milestones and actionable measures to guide the transformation of the fisheries landscape toward climate neutrality by 2050.

The Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries Working Group

One of these groups is dedicated to addressing the specific challenges of small-scale fisheries in the energy transition. It is coordinated by Marta Cavallé of the Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE), a European platform that advocates for the interests of small-scale fishers. “The Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries (SSCF) Working Group is committed to addressing the unique challenges of the energy transition in small-scale fisheries by exploring practical, cost-effective solutions and advocating for equitable access to financial and technological resources“, she explains.

Small-scale fisheries, deeply rooted in coastal communities, operate under financial constraints and have limited access to investment opportunities. The transition to low-emission and energy-efficient solutions is hindered by high technological costs. Additionally, small-scale coastal fisheries must adopt practical, affordable solutions to ensure both environmental sustainability and long-term economic viability. This working group explores cost-effective innovations such as hybrid propulsion systems, renewable energy applications, and optimised fishing techniques while looking into tailored financial support mechanisms and ensuring equitable access to investment opportunities.

In February and March 2025, the working group held its first two meetings. The first brought together 16 small-scale fishers and representatives from 13 countries to identify key challenges, opportunities, and the main human, technical, financial, and regulatory barriers to the sector’s energy transition. The second meeting focused on technical and research gaps, with Seaglow representatives, experts, and fishers already piloting solutions sharing insights on the current state of energy transition technologies in small-scale fisheries.

The Research Organisations and Academia Working Group

Energy reform in EU fisheries is drawing growing interest from researchers, including due to its direct link to climate goals and sustainability agenda. Academic work is key to finding low-impact, cost-effective solutions that keep the sector both green and competitive. Gorka Gabiña of AZTI—a scientific and technological centre specialised in the marine environment and food sectors—leads this working group, which explores how research and academia can support the energy transition across fisheries and aquaculture. “The Research Organisations and Academia Working Group is committed to address the specific challenges of the energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture by analysing potential solutions for each case from the point of view of financing, regulatory framework, technology gaps and readiness, skills and short, medium and long term objectives and insights in order to design a pathway to facilitate the energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture” Gorka Gabina explains.

As the energy transition aligns with broader climate change mitigation efforts and EU sustainability policies, academic and research institutions play a crucial role in developing innovative, energy-efficient technologies and sustainable fishing methods. This group fosters collaboration between academia, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to translate research findings into actionable strategies and practical solutions tailored to the realities of small-scale, large-scale and distance water fisheries and inland and offshore aquaculture plants.

The first Working Group was held in February 2025. This meeting was attended by 12 researchers and academics from 7 different countries. The working group is made up of members with different professional profiles that contain a very strong potential for finding synergies for the promotion of the energy transition from the field of research and academia. They deal with energy audits and tailored solutions, aquaculture innovation and technology, monitoring and AI apps, roadmap and pathways, fisheries technology, skills, living labs, engines and alternative fuels, naval architecture, finance opportunities and funding programs.
The second Working Group, held in March 2025, focused on identifying key drivers and barriers for advancing the energy transition, including regulatory frameworks, future pathways, and gaps in technology and research.

The Strategic Importance of the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP)

The ETP platform enables stakeholders to collectively identify challenges and propose viable solutions for the energy transition.
In December 2024, Michael Rafn of North Denmark EU Office, Seaglow’s project leader organisation, presented Seaglow at the first ETP meeting organised by The ETP Assistance Mechanism in collaboration with DG MARE. The workshop, titled “Navigating the Energy Transition: Strategic Goals for a Resilient and Sustainable Fisheries Fleet” facilitated connections with sectoral group members, coordinators, and other projects working toward a greener small-scale fisheries sector. The findings from this workshop have been published, detailing key discussions, challenges, solutions, and recommendations to inform the sector’s transition strategies.

A second key workshop, “Navigating the Future of EU Fisheries through Energy Transition” was held in April 2025. Building on prior working group and stakeholder discussions, it enabled a critical review and prioritisation of draft recommendations for supporting the sector’s energy transition. Participants mapped key stakeholders, assessed barriers, and proposed additional measures to address emerging needs. These insights will inform the Energy Transition roadmap to be developed by early 2026. Workshop presentations are already available, with full findings to be published soon.

The ETP will continue gathering information and insights from stakeholders, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in shaping the pathway toward climate neutrality by 2050. On 21 May, during the European Maritime Day (EMD) in Cork, Ireland, the ETP will host a session titled “Taking Stock of the Energy Transition Partnership Towards the Roadmap”. The session will provide a comprehensive summary of the findings produced so far during the working group meetings and stakeholder workshops, and it will offer stakeholders an opportunity to exchange views and contribute to refining recommendations and developing practical solutions for the sector’s energy transition.

Seaglow remains committed to driving the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in the fisheries sector. Through active engagement in the ETP and collaboration with key stakeholders, Seaglow continues to work towards a just, efficient, and financially viable transition for small-scale fisheries, aligned with the EU’s long-term energy objectives.

Seaglow gratefully acknowledges the ETP Assistance Mechanism for its contribution to the drafting of this article.

February 27 2025

Featured in Eurofish International Organisation Magazine

Seaglow team News 0

We are pleased to announce that our work has been featured in the January/February 2025 edition of Eurofish International Organisation Magazine.

The article highlights our commitment to advancing sustainability in the Baltic and North Sea, emphasizing our approach to integrating technological innovation while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. As the industry evolves, we remain dedicated to developing solutions that promote both environmental responsibility and economic viability in the fisheries sector.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Eurofish Magazine for recognizing our efforts. We look forward to continuing our work in shaping the future of sustainable fisheries.

Read the full article here at page 19-20

December 13 2024

AZTI starts the installation of SIMUL systems to measure the operative and energy consumption patterns in the vessels of the SEAGLOW project

Seaglow team News AZTI, Estonia, SIMUL 0

On 7-8 November, scientists of Seaglow’s partner AZTI travelled to Võiste, Estonia, to install the data acquisition system named SIMUL. The installations were carried out on a small-scale fishing vessel that fishes for Baltic herring, with a fishing technique known as “kakuami”, in which two boats work together to catch the herring inside the traps. A typical fishing trip consists of visiting different traps previously set at sea and lasts 4-5 hours.

Picture 1 – Estonian small-scale fishing vessel and fishing activity of the vessel

The installed acquisition system allows to capture information relating to the operational and energy consumption patterns of a certain vessel, by measuring and monitoring engine and operational parameters, such as vessel speed, distance covered and fuel consumption. This setup allows the skipper to stay informed in real time about the measured parameters and the calculated fuel consumption.

Picture 2 – Visualisation screen installed onboard the Estonian vessel

The main PC box was installed on the bridge of the vessel. This box receives all the measured data and couples the information which is subsequently sent to a server. This allows to analyze the historical data of multiple trips based on the registered parameters.

Picture 3 – PC box of the SIMUL system installed on the bridge of the Estonian vessel.

SIMUL is designed to measure the operational parameters during the different trips conducted by the fishing vessel, thus serving three main purposes:

Operational and Energy Consumption Analysis: Defining the operational and energy consumption patterns of the vessel. It permits to approximately understand which are the energetic requirements of the vessel for different trips.
Comparative Energy Consumption Evaluation: Registering data to later compare the energy consumption of the vessel with the conventional diesel propulsion system to the upcoming hybrid propulsion system or other decarbonisation solutions installed onboard.
Performance Optimization Tool for Skippers: Providing the skipper with a tool to better understand the relationship between the engine speed, the vessel speed and the fuel consumption of the vessel. In this way, he can test which is the increment in fuel consumption given by an increment in the engine or vessel speeds (eg. the increments in L/h to gain one knot while steaming to fishing zones).

The initial sea trials to test all the sensors were conducted on the 8^th of November. The following figure shows the tracking of the vessel during the test, as well as the engine speed and fuel consumption.

Picture 4 – Tracking, engine speed and fuel consumption of the sea trials in the Estonian vessel

The installations for the other vessels of the Seaglow project, located in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, have already started. AZTI will provide regular updates on progress in subsequent communications.

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Photo credits @AZTI @Argo Mengel

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

December 2 2024

SEAGLOW represented by RISE and the Swedish Fishermen’s Producer Organisation (SFPO) at the Swedish Commercial Fishing Conference

Seaglow team News fisheries, innovation, Sweden 0

28 November, Stenungsund (Sweden) – The SEAGLOW project was presented at the Nationell yrkesfiskekonferens 2024 (National Commercial Fishing Conference), organized by the Swedish Rural Network (Landsbygdsnätverket). Representing SEAGLOW at the event were RISE and the Swedish Fishermen’s Producer Organisation (SFPO), two key partners in the project’s consortium.

The conference gathered around 140 participants, including fishers, government officials, scientists, and journalists, creating a vibrant platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas. Attendees explored the perspectives of fishing Producer Organizations and heard from young fishers—including fisherwomen—about their visions for the future of the industry. Discussions also delved into the science behind quota-setting and fish stock assessments.

SEAGLOW was presented in an innovation-focused session, where it stood out as the only project tackling advancements in fishing boat technology. Other presentations primarily concentrated on improving fishing gear. This unique focus highlighted SEAGLOW’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of fishing through sustainable and innovative boat technologies.

The conference was a valuable opportunity to connect with stakeholders and demonstrate SEAGLOW’s role in driving innovation within the fisheries sector.

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Photo: Hanna Varve, Research at Seaglow’s partner RISE, representing Seaglow during the event

Photo credits: @Seaglow

November 21 2024

A Conversation with Hanne Bregendahl Pihl: Pioneering Carbon-Neutral Solutions for Small-Scale Fisheries with Seaglow

Seaglow team News energy, EU 0

As climate challenges escalate, the fishing industry—particularly small-scale fisheries—reaches a pivotal moment. With the growing need to reduce carbon emissions and adopt sustainable practices, innovation is essential for the future of both fishers and marine ecosystems.

SEAGLOW is an forward-thinking EU-funded project including 16 partners aimed at supporting small-scale fisheries during the energy transition by testing and implementing green and carbon-neutral solutions on small-scale fishing vessels. It is funded by Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021 to 202) and contributes to the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters which aims to protect and restore the health of Europe’s oceans, seas and waters, including through its “Baltic & North Sea Lighthouse” that engages and supports stakeholders across the Baltic and North Sea to reach a carbon-neutral and circular blue economy.

Hanne Breghendahl Pihl, Head of Unit at the NorthDenmark EU-Office and leading the SEAGLOW consortium, provides insights into the project’s vision and the technologies being implemented, such as hybrid electric drivetrains and methanol-powered engines.

Learn more Hanne’s perspective on the urgent need for change, the collaborative spirit of the Seaglow project, and how this multi-disciplinary consortium contributes to achieving greener small-scale fisheries.

Hanne, could you briefly introduce the Seaglow project and its main objectives?

The SEAGLOW project “Sustainable Energy Applications for Green and Low-impact Operation of small-scale fishing boats,” aims to reduce the carbon footprint of small-scale fisheries in the Baltic and North Sea basins. Through the implementation of alternative energy sources and fuel-efficient technologies, SEAGLOW addresses the urgent need for sustainable fishing operations by reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Its objectives include developing energy-efficient practices, by testing different types of energy sufficient applications such as engines, coating and surveillance technology on 4 fishings vessels in the area. But it also focuses on promoting renewable energy use in the maritime sector in general, and ultimately helping to pave the way for achieving carbon neutrality for small fishing vessels in the future.

Why is it important to focus on small-scale fishing boats when addressing environmental sustainability in the maritime sector?

Small-scale fishing boats, which make up a significant portion of the European fishing fleet, face high operational costs and environmental impacts due to fuel dependency. By targeting these boats, SEAGLOW aims to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, contributing directly to the EU Green Deal objectives while at the same time helping smaller operators remain economically viable while reducing their environmental impact.

What are the key strengths and unique expertise of the Seaglow project consortium, and how do they contribute to achieving the project’s goals?

The SEAGLOW consortium comprises a diverse set of organizations, including research institutes, NGOs, industry representatives, and energy technology providers from across Europe and 4 fishermen, which are investing both their time and their livelyhood (in this case their boats) in the project. This multidisciplinary team provides expertise in marine engineering, energy-efficient technologies, policy, and fishing industry operations, ensuring that SEAGLOW’s approach is both technically innovative and well-aligned with industry needs.

What type of sustainable energy technologies will Seaglow explore and implement for small-scale fishing vessels?

SEAGLOW is exploring several sustainable technologies, including hybrid methanol/electric engines, low-drag hull coatings, and low-cost monitoring systems for tracking fuel consumption and operational efficiency. Each technology will be tested on different fishing vessels, providing a comprehensive assessment of their effectiveness in reducing fuel consumption and emissions in real-world conditions.

Who are the key stakeholders in the Seaglow project, and how do you plan to engage with them throughout the project’s lifecycle?

SEAGLOW’s stakeholders include small-scale fishers, industry representatives, policymakers, and environmental organizations. We will try to involve all parties through co-creation workshops, policy advocacy, and community-based trials, where other fishermen can come and try the different application in order to encourage adoption and ensure that developed technologies meet stakeholder needs. Through these workshops and public engagement, we hope that SEAGLOW can help foster collaboration and ensure that new innovations align with local community goals and needs as well as aligning with the EU policy on the topic.

How will the outcomes of Seaglow benefit both small-scale fishers and the environment?

By introducing fuel-efficient, renewable technologies, SEAGLOW aims to reduce the operational costs and environmental impact for small-scale fishers, improving economic viability and lowering their carbon footprint. Additionally, SEAGLOW’s environmentally friendly coatings and energy monitoring tools offer reduced emissions, supporting both marine biodiversity and fishers’ long-term sustainability.

How can stakeholders, particularly small-scale fishers, get involved in the Seaglow project and benefit from its findings?

Fishers can participate in SEAGLOW’s showcasings being run in for instance Sweden, which will allow them come and browse and test the new technologies in a reallife scenario and see how they can benefit from any cost and efficiency gains by implementing these on their own boats.

Through stakeholder workshops and policy engagement, SEAGLOW also gives the opportunity to fishers to contribute to the reports that are to be delivered to the EU-Commission aiming at advising and influencing future sustainable EU practices and policies within the fishing industry.

Photo Credits:

Hanne Bregendahl Pihl @NorthDenmark EU-Office

Anna-Katharina – Norway @Len Duevel

*Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

November 5 2024

The Seaglow Project Establishes its Advisory Board to Drive Energy Transition in Small-Scale Fisheries

Seaglow team News energy, experts, fishing 0

Aalborg, 5 November 2024 – The Seaglow Project (Sustainable Energy Applications for Green and Low-impact Operation of small-scale fishing boats in the Baltic and North Sea basins) is pleased to announce the establishment of its Advisory Board (AB), a strategic assembly of experts dedicated to guiding Seaglow’s mission of advancing low-impact, sustainable energy solutions within small-scale fisheries. This distinguished group will play a crucial role in aligning Seaglow’s technological advancements with the needs of small-scale fishers and broader maritime stakeholders, providing feedback and insights to ensure impactful project outcomes.

With a focus on demonstrating and evaluating five pivotal technologies—hybrid electric drivetrains, methanol-powered engines, polymer-based coatings to reduce drag, and low-cost sensors to encourage fuel-efficient sailing behavior—the Advisory Board’s expertise will be instrumental in guiding Seaglow’s exploration of innovative approaches to reduce fossil fuel dependency and greenhouse gas emissions.

Advisory Board Composition and Expertise

Technical Expertise

Tage Rishøj – CEO, Danish Maritime
With extensive experience in maritime technologies, Mr. Rishøj’s expertise supports Seaglow’s goal of enhancing energy efficiency in small-scale fishing operations.
Ethan Faghani – CEO, Cetasol
As an expert in clean energy technology, Mr. Faghani’s knowledge of powertrain systems will contribute to Seaglow’s efforts to reduce environmental impact through innovative engineering solutions.
Ander Lasa – CEO, Lasanaval OTN
Mr. Lasa brings valuable insights into maritime operations technology, supporting Seaglow’s objectives of improved engine efficiency and enhanced durability.

Law and Regulations

Aleksandrs Pavlovics – Head of Marine Investigation Department, Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau, Republic of Latvia
Mr. Pavlovics’s regulatory expertise will assist Seaglow in ensuring compliance with European maritime standards, contributing to a robust regulatory framework for sustainable fishing practices.
Joakim Martinsen – Head of Section, Norwegian Fishermen’s Association
Mr. Martinsen’s knowledge of fisheries policy provides a critical perspective, ensuring that the interests and concerns of small-scale fishers are addressed throughout Seaglow’s activities.

Business Development

Sarah Ready – Fisheries Consultant, Director of SSF
Ms. Ready’s expertise in small-scale fisheries consultancy will support Seaglow in demonstrating the economic viability of sustainable technologies within the sector.
Christian Heidemann Andersen – CEO, Strandby Harbor
Mr. Andersen’s experience in harbor operations brings a vital business development perspective, aligning Seaglow’s innovations with practical infrastructure needs.
Jeremy Percy – Senior Advisor, SSFs representation
With a background in small-scale fisheries advocacy, Mr. Percy’s involvement ensures the project remains connected to the community-based and low-impact fishing practices it aims to support.

Supporting Seaglow’s Energy Transition for Sustainable Fisheries

At the core of Seaglow’s mission is the transition to sustainable fishing practices through advanced technology, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and lessen environmental impact. By collecting and analyzing sensor data from project vessels, Seaglow will assess the long-term effects of applied technologies and explore potential synergies between hybrid drivetrains, methanol engines, and advanced coating solutions. The Advisory Board will provide essential guidance in this process, participating in periodic consultations and offering insights that will shape Seaglow’s strategic direction.

The Seaglow consortium extends its sincere appreciation to the Advisory Board members for their dedication to advancing sustainable, low-impact solutions within small-scale fisheries. Together, we look forward to driving meaningful change and securing a sustainable future for northern Europe’s fishing sector.