REFEST is an EU-funded Horizon Europe project (Grant Agreement No. 101157663) supporting the development of retrofit technologies that can help reduce fuel consumption and emissions on existing fishing vessels. The project explores practical, scalable solutions that can be integrated without major structural changes, with the aim of enabling small-scale fishing communities to adopt more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible operations.

Driving Sustainable Innovation
Tuco Marine Group is proud to contribute to REFEST as one of the industrial partners. The project focuses on developing cost-effective retrofit concepts that may enable existing vessels to reduce emissions by up to 40%, depending on vessel type, operational profile and technology configuration.

By improving current fleets rather than replacing them, REFEST supports a more resource-efficient and economically viable pathway for the fishing sector.

European Collaboration
REFEST brings together 14 partners from 10 European countries, including research institutions, technology developers, fishing organisations and maritime industry experts. This broad collaboration ensures that new ideas are grounded in both scientific research and practical operational experience.

As part of the consortium, Tuco Marine Group contributes expertise in innovative vessel design, lightweight structures and sustainable marine solutions. Our role supports the development and assessment of retrofit technologies that can be applied across diverse European fishing fleets.

Looking Ahead
The project partners are currently developing and testing several technologies, including battery integration concepts, smart sensor systems and other energy-efficient solutions. These activities are carried out in close collaboration with fishing fleets across Europe to ensure that the solutions are practical, scalable and aligned with real operational needs.

REFEST aims to deliver knowledge, tools and demonstrators that can support a greener future for the maritime sector – while respecting all obligations under Horizon Europe, including proper implementation, conflict-of-interest management, data protection and communication requirements.

Project Funding
REFEST is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme. Tuco Marine Group’s participation follows all obligations under the Grant Agreement, including communication, dissemination and visibility requirements.