REFEST has reached an important first milestone with the identification and documentation of the main requirements for the project’s target products and demonstration sites. This achievement was led by Klaipeda University, with the contribution and validation of all project partners.
The work carried out provides a common technical basis for the development, integration and future validation of REFEST retrofit solutions for traditional fishing vessels. The milestone is closely linked to Deliverable D1.1, which defines the requirements of the proposed solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in fishing vessels under real-life operating conditions.
As part of this work, the consortium identified the material specifications, performance requirements and supply interactions needed to ensure that reliable and consistent samples, components and technologies can be developed during the next phases of the project. The analysis also considered material and technology trends, customer expectations, legislative constraints, and national and international requirements applicable to the demonstration boats and equipment installation.
A key element of the milestone was the definition of suitable sensors to be installed on board the vessels. These sensors will support REFEST eco-driving tools, help minimise reactive maintenance and contribute to the overall objective of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The milestone also includes the definition of benchmarks and a testing plan, which will serve as means of verification for the next technical activities. In addition, the work supports the estimation of optimal technical modernisation measures for fishing vessels operating in the Baltic and North Sea regions, while considering their social, economic and environmental impact.
The findings have been approved by all partners and will serve as a shared roadmap for the scale-up and validation of REFEST systemic solutions.