MARIN joins new WAVE cluster to accelerate maritime decarbonisation technologies

MARIN has joined the newly launched WAVE (Worldwide Alliance for Vessel Decarbonization & Energy Transition) cluster. Together with Alpha Marine Consulting, lomarlabs and C-Job Naval Architects, the initiative aims to accelerate the integration and validation of emerging technologies that support the decarbonisation of shipping.

WAVE brings together complementary expertise in ship operations, marine engineering, naval architecture, independent validation and access to public and private funding opportunities. The alliance is designed to help promising technologies bridge the gap between laboratory development and real-world maritime deployment.

The cluster focuses on technologies with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 to 7. These solutions have demonstrated technical potential but still require further integration, testing and operational experience before reaching commercial deployment.

For technology developers, WAVE offers support in addressing challenges such as vessel integration, safety requirements, classification considerations and operational constraints. For shipowners, the alliance provides a structured and lower-risk pathway to evaluate and implement innovative technologies, while also helping identify suitable subsidy and co-funding opportunities for pilot projects.

Combining complementary expertise

Each founding organisation contributes a distinct part of the innovation pathway:

• Alpha Marine Consulting provides expertise in marine engineering, naval architecture, technical integration and project supervision.
• lomarlabs contributes experience in supporting and de-risking technology start-ups, combined with operational insight and vessel access through its parent company Lomar.
• MARIN provides maritime research, assessment and independent validation capabilities.
• C-Job Naval Architects contributes ship design and naval architecture expertise to support onboard integration.

Together, the partners assess selected technologies and define an appropriate route towards integration and validation, tailored to the maturity and requirements of each solution.

Patrick Hooijmans, Senior Project Manager at MARIN, says: "Assessment of solutions in real operations. WAVE puts solutions to the test by combining shipowners, design offices and independent evaluators knowledge with the aim of sharing outcomes and gained experience with its partners."

Membership applications open

WAVE is inviting organisations from across the maritime sector to apply for membership. The initiative aims to create a balanced ecosystem of partners that can contribute to the development and deployment of solutions that support a more sustainable shipping industry. More information is available on the WAVE website.