Zero waste Heat vessel towards relevant ENergy savings also thanks to IT technologies

Project Information

ZHENIT

Grant agreement ID: 101056801

DOI

10.3030/101056801

Project closed

EC signature date 3 May 2022

Start date 1 June 2022

End date 30 April 2026

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 4 421 226,51

EU contribution

€ 4 384 488,25

Coordinated by

RINA CONSULTING SPA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ZHENIT (Zero waste Heat vessel towards relevant ENergy savings also thanks to IT technologies)

Reporting period: 2023-12-01 to 2024-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The ZHENIT project aims to accelerate the decarbonization of the maritime sector by leveraging waste heat recovery (WHR) technologies, hybrid propulsion systems, and digital solutions. With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and European Union (EU) setting ambitious targets for climate neutrality by 2030 and beyond, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency while reducing emissions. The project focuses on developing WHR-to-X solutions that convert waste heat into usable energy, including electricity, cooling, and desalination. Key technologies under investigation include Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems, adsorption-based cooling, and isobaric expansion engines. These solutions are being tested and validated through experimental campaigns and onboard trials, demonstrating their feasibility and impact on vessel energy consumption. In addition to the technical aspects, ZHENIT integrates social sciences and humanities by assessing stakeholder acceptance, regulatory frameworks, and economic feasibility. A dedicated e-learning program and stakeholder engagement initiatives aim to foster adoption and awareness within the maritime industry. The expected impact of ZHENIT is significant, with projections indicating up to 25% energy savings for vessels. By demonstrating the viability of WHR technologies, the project paves the way for widespread adoption, contributing to cleaner maritime transport and reinforcing Europe's leadership in sustainable shipping.

For any further information, please visit Zhenit project's website at https://www.zhenit.eu/

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

At the end of the second reporting period (M19-M30) the ZHENIT project has made significant technical and scientific progress in developing and validating waste heat recovery (WHR) technologies for maritime applications. Extensive research has led to the design and commissioning of lab-scale prototypes, including adsorption chillers, isobaric expansion engines, and ORC-heat pump systems. Initial testing confirmed their feasibility, demonstrating their potential to enhance vessel energy efficiency. A key achievement has been the development of a digital modeling platform that simulates WHR integration onboard ships, optimizing energy use and refining control strategies. Additionally, validation efforts advanced with the establishment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and laboratory preconditioning for technology integration. While delays in prototype shipment have postponed full-scale testing, the groundwork has been laid for the next phase. The upcoming stage will focus on full-scale experimental validation and onboard implementation of these technologies. These efforts are expected to demonstrate up to 25% energy savings, supporting the maritime sector’s transition towards greater sustainability and aligning with the decarbonization targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union.


For any further information, please visit Zhenit project's website at https://www.zhenit.eu/

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

After the second reporting period (M19-M30) the ZHENIT project has made significant advancements in waste heat recovery (WHR) technologies for maritime applications, demonstrating potential for reducing vessel energy consumption by up to 25%. Key results include the identification of 30 applicable WHR technologies for ships, optimization of hybrid propulsion systems, and the integration of digital solutions to enhance energy efficiency. These findings indicate a promising pathway for reducing emissions and improving the sustainability of the European waterborne sector. Further research is required to refine WHR technologies, optimize hybrid propulsion, and explore new applications. Demonstration projects will be essential for validating these solutions at scale and fostering stakeholder confidence. Access to markets and finance is crucial for commercializing the developed technologies, necessitating support from investors and policymakers. Intellectual property (IPR) protection and exploitation strategies should be strengthened to safeguard innovations and maximize industry adoption. Additionally, internationalization efforts should focus on engaging regulatory bodies such as the IMO and EU, ensuring compliance with evolving environmental and safety regulations. A supportive regulatory and standardization framework is needed to facilitate the integration of these technologies across different ship types. Overall, the continued coordination of technical development, market engagement, and regulatory alignment will be fundamental for ZHENIT’s long-term impact.

For any further information, please visit Zhenit project's website at https://www.zhenit.eu/

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