The proposal develops a combination of energy-saving solutions that can be adopted in retrofitting aimed at achieving the 35% of GHG emissions. Two new technologies, i.e. wind assisted ship propulsion and an innovative air lubrication system, will be developed together with other solutions that, although based on already mature technologies, such as operational and hydrodynamic design optimization and ship electrification, have to be expanded to be integrated with the new solutions as well as to cope with the constraints posed by the original ship design. The final objective of RETROFIT55 is to create an advanced web-based Decision Support System (DSS), that fuses together digital twins of the different systems into an integrated digital ship model. The DSS will feature a catalogue of retrofitting solutions that are up-to-date and ready to be deployed at the end of the project and easily extendable afterward while developed and demonstrated at TRL 7-8, suitable for different ship types and operational contexts. The DSS will enable the user to configure the retrofitting by combining different options which are suitable for the specific ship type and comparing them in terms of life-cycle cost, return-of-investment and several KPIs, such as EEXI, CII. Referring to the ZEWT strategy, while primarily contributing to the Design and Retrofit, the implementation of the project will also intersect other topics, such as Use of Sustainable Alternative fuels, Energy Efficiency, Electrification and Digital Green. The consortium brings together universities and research institutions, three developers of the new technologies, a ship design office, software developers, ICT experts, a classification society, a ship-repair company, and two large ship operators.

With vast experience, in-depth knowledge and established expertise in infectious disease prevention and control on passenger ships, HEALTHY SAILING consortium presents a comprehensive approach introducing innovative, multi-layered, risk and evidence-based, cost-effective tested measures for infectious diseases prevention, mitigation and management (PMM) differentiated for large ferries, cruise ships and expedition vessels. This approach covers: a) preparedness and response to known infectious diseases frequently occurring on passenger ships, diseases that have never occurred but for which preparedness is essential, diseases of unknown aetiology to ensure preparedness for future emerging pathogens/pandemics; b) the entire passenger/crew journey travelling from home to ship and returning, on-board, during shore-side visits; c) ship-board operations, shore-side company operations, port destinations and communities; d) a global perspective of project outputs towards communities and passenger shipping industry. Epidemiological studies, risk assessment, modelling for disease spread and aerosol/droplet dispersion and setting disease thresholds/alert levels will develop a scientific evidence-base and support production of evidence-informed guidelines on COVID-19 for ships/ports, passengers/crew vaccination, ventilation systems and expedition vessels’ medical operation needs. Development/testing of ship-specific syndromic surveillance, AI systems, decision support tools will contribute to early health threat detection on-board, risk-based proportionate responses, and healthy on-board environments. Toolkits for blended learning with hands-on training and technology induced behaviour change will further knowledge, awareness and compliance of all stakeholders. An integrated e-pass based on one-ID concept and toolkit predicting port response capacities will address port operation and community needs. A scientific international panel will promote a harmonized global approach.