The SEASTARS project took center stage at the European Shortsea Network Summit 2025, organized by the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (EENMA). Representing SEASTARS, Ms. Eleni Polychronopoulou, President of HEMEXPO – Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers & Exporters, joined a high-level panel discussion focused on sustainable financing for the decarbonisation of short-sea shipping across Europe.
Addressing the Dual Challenge of Maritime Decarbonisation
During her intervention, Ms. Polychronopoulou underscored the dual challenge the maritime sector faces:
on one hand, retrofitting existing short-sea vessels with viable transition technologies, and on the other, investing in newbuilds designed for zero-carbon operation.
“We must accept the realities of today’s fleet and work on both fronts — accelerating retrofits with proven technologies while preparing the next generation of zero-emission vessels. Only by balancing both can we achieve a sustainable, competitive maritime future,”
stated Ms. Eleni Polychronopoulou.
Her remarks highlighted the importance of balanced, pragmatic strategies that combine innovation with real-world implementation — ensuring that decarbonisation is both technically feasible and economically sustainable.
SEASTARS: Driving Innovation and Collaboration
Ms. Polychronopoulou also emphasized how SEASTARS and other Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT)projects under the Horizon Europe framework are contributing directly to this transition.
By integrating digital innovation, modular ship design, and collaborative financing approaches, SEASTARS is helping to make decarbonisation achievable across all vessel types, from retrofits to newbuilds.
Through close collaboration with shipowners, technology providers, and investors, SEASTARS continues to transform sustainability from concept into practical implementation, supporting Europe’s journey toward a zero-emission maritime sector.
To stay updated on SEASTARS’ progress and upcoming events, visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter:
🌐 www.seastars-project.eu
SEASTARS is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Actions Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101192901.
