You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence EMEA News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features EMEA European Consortium Launches AI-Powered Ship Retrofit Project European Consortium Launches AI-Powered Ship Retrofit Project by Ship & Bunker News Team Friday June 12, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker They aim to help shipowners assess and accelerate decarbonisation and efficiency upgrades. Image Credit: Maritime CleanTech A group of 19 maritime companies , research organisations and technology providers has launched the FIT-HORIZONS project to support the decarbonisation of existing ships. The initiative is coordinated by Norway-based SINTEF Ocean and backed by almost €4 million in EU funding, project partner  Maritime CleanTech said in an email update on Thursday .  The project will develop an AI-supported design platform to help shipowners evaluate and plan retrofit projects involving alternative fuels, electrification, wind-assisted propulsion, air lubrication systems, hull modifications and other energy-efficiency technologies. According to the consortium, the platform will assess how multiple technologies perform together under real operating conditions rather than evaluating each option separately. The project will include six virtual demonstrations covering inland waterway vessels, short-sea and long-distance shipping, ferries, cruise ships and offshore vessels. The partners aim to deliver a technology readiness level of 7-8 by 2029 and provide guidance on regulatory approvals, best practices and business models to support wider adoption of retrofit solutions. The project comes as shipowners face growing pressure to cut emissions under regulations including FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading S