History of the Project
France Pêche Durable Responsible” and “Stichting Openbaar Nut TransEnergy”, are cooperating together since 2008, in the field of hybridization, as the immediate and alternative solution for diesel-driven fishing boats, on the initiative of researcher Dr Koenraad GRILLAERT (Gand University, Flanders)
The pragmatic option, i.e. “gaz/electric driveline retrofit conversion” of existing ships, developed by the research team of TransEnergy, was presented at several private actors and public institutes. Having been validated like a realistic solution and financially attainable, this option was presented to national authorities. (French Presidency and Prime Minister, Direction of Fishing, Environment, Agriculture, and to Flanders Minister-President).
Officials judged in France and in Flanders that this project offers strategic perspectives for the re-enforcement of fishing activities in the Channel and North Sea area, and also builds experience for idea of the “Fishing Vessel of the future”, launched after the French Climate Plan. (“Grenelle de la Mer”).
Encouraged by these statements, a fishing ship’s owner/master from Boulogne proposed his vessel as a support for demonstrator. He managed to solve the investment cost dedicated to ship’s transformation, in link with the cooperative fishing company he belongs: “Cooperative Maritime d’Etaples” and OSEO, national public body in charge of stimulating innovation. This option has reactivated the proposal from another Skipper from Oostende to convert his trawler into a laboratory vessel.
Fish 2 Energy project was officially launched by November 2009 in view to ensure technical start up and financial preparation.
IFREMER whose judgment was expected by the public authorities validated the energetic approaches and confirmed its participation. In such a context, national French authorities declared their intention to co-fund the project. Public body ILVO, Flemish IFREMER’s alter-ego said they will join in with Government of Flanders. Then MSE and CEFAS, from England, were approached and boarded in.