Hybrid innovation at sea: transforming Adriatic fisheries with 3EFISHING
05/01/2026
The fishing sector across the Adriatic Sea is at a crossroads. While this semi-closed basin has long supported vibrant coastal communities and a productive marine ecosystem, many small-scale fisheries still operate with aging diesel fleets and limited access to modern, sustainable technologies. The challenge of rising fuel costs, climate pressures, and economic instability means that innovation is no longer optional, it’s essential for the future of the industry.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
In response to these pressures, the Interreg Italia-Croazia project 3EFISHING is pioneering a practical and scalable innovation pathway aimed at revitalizing Adriatic fisheries through hybrid propulsion technologies. Coordinated by the University of Bologna and involving a consortium of Italian and Croatian partners, this initiative seeks to introduce hybrid and electric engine systems into small fishing vessels, helping them reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and operate more sustainably in line with the European Green Deal’s climate neutrality goals.
Historically, a large portion of the Adriatic fishing fleet has been powered exclusively by diesel engines, with many vessels over 10-15 years old and limited exposure to newer propulsion technologies. This has left the sector particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in fuel prices and environmental regulations.
How 3EFISHING Works
The project unfolds in three strategic phases:
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Design and Development – Crafting a special hybrid propulsion system that combines electric power with renewable energy sources. This system is designed to significantly cut fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions, a key step toward environmentally sustainable fishing operations.
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Field Testing – Installing and testing these hybrid engines on two pilot vessels to assess real-world performance and adaptability in Adriatic fishing conditions.
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Market Integration and Outreach – Sharing results and best practices with small and medium enterprises (SMEs), feeding the lessons learned back into the sector to facilitate broader uptake. This includes guidance on financial strategies, investment readiness, and scaling solutions across fleets.
Partners in the project include research institutions, regional authorities, marine institutes, and industry players from both Italy and Croatia. Notably, companies like Cromaris play a role in prototype development and demonstration activities, working alongside scientific partners to bring hybrid propulsion innovations closer to market readiness.
Why Hybrid Matters for the Adriatic
Hybrid propulsion technology holds several advantages for the Adriatic fishing community:
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Reduced Environmental Impact: Lower carbon emissions and quieter engines help protect marine ecosystems and improve compliance with regional sustainability objectives.
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Cost Efficiency: With volatile fuel markets, hybrid systems offer a pathway toward long-term operational savings, essential for the economic viability of smaller fisheries.
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Enhanced Blue Economy Resilience: Adopting cleaner technologies strengthens the economic backbone of coastal communities, supporting jobs and improving competitiveness within the broader blue economy.
These innovations are timely, given broader European policy priorities. For example, national and EU funding mechanisms,such as the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), emphasize sustainable transitions, digitalization, and resilience for the fisheries sector, aligning well with the goals of 3EFISHING.
Looking Forward
The mid-term review of the 3EFISHING project, held in Split in September 2025, marked a pivotal moment of collaboration between partners, setting the stage for intensified field testing and stakeholder engagement as the project enters its operational phase.
As hybrid propulsion solutions advance from prototype to practical application, the Adriatic fishing community may be at the forefront of a sustainable transformation, one that balances tradition with technology and places innovation at the heart of the sector’s future.
