The HY2FISH project is one of the latest European initiatives focused on accelerating the decarbonisation of the fishing sector through innovative and scalable clean-energy technologies.

Developed within the framework of the Blue Growth strategy promoted by the Port of Vigo, HY2FISH aims to demonstrate how medium and large fishing vessels can significantly reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions using hybrid propulsion systems, hydrogen technologies and advanced energy management solutions.

The project focuses on practical and scalable technologies designed to be easily integrated into fishing vessels over 12 metres in length. Among the solutions being developed are:

• hydrogen-powered rotary generators and fuel cells;
• hybrid battery-electric propulsion systems;
• flexible photovoltaic panels for marine applications;
• smart energy management systems;
• optical fibre sensors for vessel monitoring;
• hull appendages and optimized propeller systems to improve hydrodynamics and reduce underwater noise.

According to the project consortium, HY2FISH aims to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40% compared to conventional vessel designs, with the potential to achieve near-zero emissions when powered entirely by renewable energy sources.

A traditional fishing vessel currently operating on the Mediterranean coast will be retrofitted in Galicia under demanding Atlantic fishing conditions to validate the technologies in real operational environments.

Beyond technological innovation, the initiative also seeks to improve the long-term economic resilience of the European fishing fleet while supporting the objectives of the European Green Deal and broader maritime sustainability policies.

More information about the project is available on the official Blue Growth Vigo – HY2FISH page.