Sea and Coastal Passenger Water Transport
Operation of zero-emission or highly efficient sea and coastal passenger vessels including ferries and cruise ships meeting strict CO2 thresholds.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
The activity covers the purchase, financing, leasing, rental and operation of passenger vessels for sea and coastal transport, including ferries, ro-pax vessels and coastal cruise ships. Vessels must have zero direct (tailpipe) CO2 emissions during operation. Zero-emission propulsion technologies include battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell and wind-assisted systems.
Until 31 December 2025, vessels may alternatively qualify where direct CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometre are at least 50% below the average reference value for the corresponding vessel category. Hybrid vessels combining battery-electric operation in port and coastal waters with low-carbon fuels offshore may qualify provided the overall voyage emission intensity meets the threshold. The vessel must achieve an IMO CII rating of A or B.
Short-sea and coastal passenger routes, particularly ferry services, represent early adoption opportunities for zero-emission maritime technology. Battery-electric ferries have been commercially deployed in Scandinavia and the Mediterranean, demonstrating technical feasibility for routes up to 50 nautical miles.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
The activity must comply with Appendix A. A CRVA must assess physical climate risks over the vessel's operational lifetime, including sea level rise affecting port and terminal infrastructure, increased storm frequency and intensity, and changes to sea ice conditions on northern routes.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
A climate risk and vulnerability assessment must address chronic and acute hazards. These include rising sea levels affecting embarkation infrastructure, increased wave heights and storm surges, warming seas affecting engine and battery cooling, and coastal erosion undermining terminal foundations.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
Vessels must comply with MARPOL Annexes I, IV and V for oil, sewage and garbage management. Grey water and black water treatment systems must achieve discharge standards equivalent to or better than MARPOL Annex IV requirements. Ballast water management must meet IMO Convention standards. In sensitive marine areas, advanced wastewater treatment with nutrient removal must be installed.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Vessel construction and fit-out must maximise the use of recyclable materials. An Inventory of Hazardous Materials must be maintained in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013. Battery and fuel cell systems must comply with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. Interior furnishing materials must be selected for durability and recyclability, minimising single-use plastics onboard.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
Vessels must comply with MARPOL Annex VI emission limits, meeting the 0.10% sulphur limit in ECAs and IMO Tier III NOx standards. Shore power must be used during port calls where available. Underwater noise must be managed in line with IMO Guidelines for the Reduction of Underwater Noise from Commercial Shipping (MEPC.1/Circ.833). Light pollution from vessels must be minimised in ecologically sensitive coastal waters.