Header - Acronym and Title

icon priority
1 - Sustainable growth in the blue economy
SO 1.1 - Research and innovation

3EFISHING

3E-innovation of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture: research-based and piloted Electric-engine refitting of fishing vessels to enhance Environmental and Economic Adriatic Blue Growth

Information - Card

Information

Start date
01/03/2024
End date
31/08/2026
Total budget
1.873.755,00
Partnership
IT - 4
HR - 4
Project typology:
Standard project

Project specific objectives - Card

Project specific objectives

Develop and transfer the triple-E research-based innovation (i.e. Electric-engine technologies, Environmental quality and Economic sustainability) from University and Research Centres to fishers, farmers, SMEs and Producer Organizations for the Green and Blue transition of the Adriatic Small-Scale Fishery and Aquaculture (SSF-AQ) fleet and to achieve the sector sustainability, including the electric-refitting of two <12 mt pilot vessels, full LCA and financial investment plan for SSF-AQ agents.

Project main outputs - Card

Project main outputs

Uptake of innovation from Research to fishers, farmers, SMEs and Producers to achieve the sector's sustainability based on 3 E-innovation steps:
(1) new vessels’ propulsion with Electric-engine that
(2) increases Environmental quality with carbon footprint reduction and
(3) economic sustainability of SMEs by financial/investment skilling of SS-AQ agents.

Implementation of the transboundary Green Deal of the Adriatic SSF-AQ fleet by refitting two <12mt pilot vessels with hybrid engines and allowing the use of renewable energy-sources, to achieve quick reduction of fuel costs, long term economic and environmental sustainability and more robust social security for fishers, farmers and their families.

 

About section

About

The fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the Adriatic region, crucial components of the Blue Economy, face significant challenges including outdated infrastructure, economic pressures from fuel costs, and environmental impacts exacerbated by climate change. These sectors are vital for both Italy and Croatia, yet their sustainability is threatened by the aging fleet and rising operational costs. 

To address these challenges, the 3EFISHING project proposes innovative solutions centered around three E-innovation steps: 
- transitioning to electric-powered vessels to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, 
- enhancing environmental quality through carbon footprint reduction
- ensuring economic sustainability by providing financial and investment skills to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the sector. 

By refitting pilot vessels with hybrid engines and integrating renewable energy sources, 3EFISHING aims to achieve immediate cost reductions while ensuring long-term economic and environmental sustainability. The project will collaborate closely with research institutions, governmental bodies, and industry stakeholders across the Adriatic region to implement these innovations and support the resilience of fisheries and aquaculture in the face of economic and environmental challenges.

ItItacro2127PortletLeaderpartnerCard

Lead partner

The Lead partner represents and takes full financial and legal responsibility for the entire partnership.

Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna
Scienze biologiche, geologiche e ambientali - BiGeA, UOS RAVENNA

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News & Events

  • NEWS
    04/03/2026

    Artificial Intelligence in fisheries: predicting marine resources to support a more sustainable future

    How AI can help fishing, along with hybrid engines and energy savings

  • NEWS
    19/02/2026

    3EFISHING at the Interreg Italy–Croatia Conference on AI and Blue Economy

    On 12 February 2026, 3EFISHING participated in the conference “Artificial Intelligence, Blue Economy and Interreg Synergies” at Tecnopolo Manifattura in Bologna, co-organised within the Interreg Italy-Croatia Programme.

  • NEWS
    05/01/2026

    Hybrid innovation at sea: transforming Adriatic fisheries with 3EFISHING

    Hybrid engines and eco-innovation are reshaping Adriatic fisheries. Discover how 3EFISHING supports sustainable innovation in fishing and aquaculture

  • NEWS
    30/12/2025

    How Fishers and Aquaculture Operators View Electric, Hybrid and Alternative Fuels: Insights from the 3EFISHING Survey

    What more than 70 Adriatic operators think about eco-innovation, electric motors and alternative fuels, based on the 3EFISHING sector survey.

  • NEWS
    12/12/2025

    Electric and hybrid propulsion in the Adriatic sea: what fishers and aquaculture Ooperators told us

    Understanding Eco-Innovation Adoption in the Adriatic sea: Evidence from the 3EFISHING Sector Survey

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