On 11 December 2024, the REFEST EU Project participated in the workshop “Navigating the energy transition: strategic goals for a sustainable Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries”, organised by the Energy Transition Partnership for Fisheries and Aquaculture (ETP) and set under DG MARE – European Commission.
The event provided an important opportunity to discuss the challenges, strategic priorities and possible solutions shaping the future Energy Transition Roadmap 2050 for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Participants exchanged views on emerging innovations, best practices and concrete pathways to support the sector’s transition towards more sustainable and low-carbon operations.
Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries represent a key segment of the European fisheries sector. Although the Small-Scale Coastal Fleet accounts for approximately 8% of the EU fisheries sector’s total CO₂ emissions, corresponding to around 0.4 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, its transition towards cleaner and more efficient solutions is essential to achieving long-term climate and sustainability objectives.
In this context, Vasilij Djackov from Klaipeda University, coordinator of the REFEST project, presented REFEST as a pioneering initiative focused on the development and deployment of innovative low-carbon solutions for the fisheries sector. The project’s technologies aim to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption, supporting the sustainable transformation of fishing activities and contributing to the broader decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
REFEST is pleased to have contributed to this important discussion and remains committed to advancing innovation, sustainability and energy efficiency in the fisheries and aquaculture industries.