Ecosystem

The NEcOLEAP research and development project brings industry trailblazers together to develop a net zero cruise ship concept

Cruise ships are a vital part of the global tourism industry, and Meyer Turku holds around 15% of the global cruise ship construction market. Succeeding in the fiercely competitive environment of the maritime cluster requires a new way of operating and networking, as the goal for Meyer Turku is to receive net zero cruise ship orders within the coming years.

The NEcOLEAP research and development project brings together companies, universities, and research institutions to co-develop innovative and sustainable technological solutions. The goal is to strengthen the global competitiveness of the Finnish shipbuilding industry and ensure the continued excellence in cruise ship design and construction. The R&D topics of the project focus on four key areas: the ship itself, shipbuilding, smart technologies, and future drivers.

Meyer Turku is an industry leader in product and technology development in the marine industry. Through its multidisciplinary partnership network, the company is able to meet the challenges of the sector’s energy, climate and digitalisation challenges. A billion-dollar cruise ship order will result in approximately 9,500 jobs for the shipyard and its ecosystem or partners. The direct employment impact will be approximately 12,000 person-years. The results of the NEcOLEAP project provide a direction for the shipbuilding industry in terms of long-term environmental responsibility actions.

The key objectives of the NEcOLEAP project are:

  1. Strengthening and expanding innovative research and development within the shipbuilding ecosystem.
  2. Utilization of intelligent technologies throughout the life cycle of a ship.
  3. Adapting the business towards the green transition and meeting the demands of climate action.
  4. Development of a net zero cruise ship concept, with reduced environmental impacts, by 2025.
  5. Achieving net zero shipbuilding, in scope 1 and 2, by 2030.
  6. Meeting the demands of customers’ sustainability strategies.

Read more about Meyer Turku’s sustainability goals here!

A program worth 160 MEUR

The cost estimate of the NEcOLEAP project is approximately EUR 160 million, of which Business Finland’s financial contribution to Meyer is EUR 20 million and Meyer Turku’s own contribution is EUR 40 million. Business Finland has also set aside EUR 50 million for companies, research institutes and universities involved in the ecosystem. The partners’ self financing contribution is also approximately EUR 50 million.