France has announced funding for six new projects to accelerate the development of low-carbon ships, as part of the France 2030 investment plan. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fisheries Catherine Chabaud, and Minister Delegate for Industry Sébastien Martin, alongside Secretary General for Investment Bruno Bonnell, revealed a total investment of €21.4 million for the latest round of winners.
The funding is provided through the CORIMER Low-Carbon Ship call for projects, which launched in January 2025. The initiative aims to support industrial innovation to rapidly and sustainably reduce emissions in maritime transport while enhancing the competitiveness and technological sovereignty of the French naval industry.
The government’s strategy focuses on supporting the development and industrialisation of low-carbon technologies produced within France. By strengthening the innovative maritime value chain, the state intends to create skilled jobs and contribute to the country’s green re-industrialisation.
This second round of funding saw 17 applications, resulting in six selected projects. The chosen initiatives cover various decarbonisation levers, including wind propulsion, multi-energy chains, the reduction of fuel consumption through biofouling treatment, the development of innovative gas marine engines, and the electrification of coastal port activities.
These new grants follow an initial round that supported three projects with €6.8 million. In total, nine projects have now received France 2030 support, amounting to a cumulative investment of €28.2 million.
The programme is managed by the Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) and supported by the Orientation Council for Research and Innovation of Maritime Industrials (CORIMER). Government officials noted that these advancements in merchant shipping are expected to benefit the fishing, leisure, and naval sectors, further establishing France as a leader in low-carbon maritime technology.
