Levante Ferries joins EU research project into decarbonisation / digitalisation retrofits

LEVANTE FERRIES is the only Greek ferry operator participating in the new European project FIT-HORIZONS (Flexible Tool Environment for Holistic Retrofits and Decarbonization of Ships), which aims to accelerate ship retrofits across Europe in a quick, safe and cost-effective manner. The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Program, and brings together 19 leading organizations from 12 countries, including shipping companies, research institutes, universities, software developers and technology providers.

FIT-HORIZONS is a leading European initiative for the decarbonization and digital transformation of the existing fleet. LEVANTE FERRIES will contribute real operational data and practical expertise from its vessels, helping shape the solutions that will define the future of ship retrofits and maritime energy transition in Europe.

LEVANTE FERRIES is not merely following European developments in green shipping; it is actively helping shape them.

Today, the maritime sector accounts for approximately 3% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, while transporting 90% of global trade. As most vessels operating today are expected to remain in service for decades, upgrading the existing fleet is essential for achieving international climate targets.

FIT-HORIZONS aims to develop an innovative digital platform combining Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced simulation tools and operational data to help shipowners identify the most effective and economically viable retrofit solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and complying with evolving European and international environmental regulations.

FIT-HORIZONS will develop and validate a flexible assessment environment capable of evaluating multiple retrofit technologies simultaneously, including alternative fuels, electrification, hydrodynamic improvements, Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP), Air Lubrication Systems (ALS), and other energy-efficiency solutions, offering shipowners a powerful decision-support tool.

Rather than assessing technologies individually, the platform will analyze how combinations of technologies perform together under realistic operating conditions and across different vessel categories.

LEVANTE FERRIES’ participation in FIT-HORIZONS builds upon its successful involvement in previous European innovation projects. These include ELEMED, through which the company’s Ro-Pax vessel FIOR DI LEVANTE became the first vessel in the Eastern Mediterranean to connect to an Onshore Power Supply (OPS) installation, and e-SHyIPS, which contributed to the development of future regulatory frameworks for the use of hydrogen in passenger shipping.

Through its participation in FIT-HORIZONS, LEVANTE FERRIES further strengthens its position as one of Greece’s most innovative ferry operators, actively contributing to the future of European shipping and the sector’s green transition.

According to Mr. Efstratios Apergis, CEO of LEVANTE FERRIES:

"Our participation in FIT-HORIZONS confirms LEVANTE FERRIES’ commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological developments in European shipping. Our objective is to leverage the knowledge and tools developed through the project to plan our fleet’s green transition in a timely and effective manner, for the benefit of our passengers, local communities and the environment."