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The European Union has confirmed that it will co-finance, with a little over 6.4 million euros from the TEN-T Programme, a pilot project investigating a new propulsion system for vessels. The initiative also contributes to the realisation of the "Motorways of the Sea" (TEN-T Priority Project 21) concept.

The project, selected for funding under the 2012 TEN-T Multi-Annual Programme, is a pilot action that aims to optimize bunker consumption and reduce exhaust gas emissions through the use of an innovative system of ESS (Energy Storage System) batteries for hybrid propulsion and the installation of wet-scrubber technology on two similar ro-ro/pax (roll-on, roll-off passenger) ships.

The innovative concept, to be tested by the project, is based on a two-stage approach: reducing the vessels' total energy demand and allowing for the installation of the smallest possible scrubber configuration.

The trials are due to take place on the high frequency maritime route between the ports of Puttgarden (Germany) and Rødby (Denmark).

Energy savings will be mainly achieved by installing new sets of propellers and a hybrid drive, representing the world's largest ever marine hybrid solution, the European Commission said.