This thesis examines the challenges facing the maritime industry as a result of the policy objectives and priorities of the European Green Deal (EGD). The study analyzes the aspects of the European Green Deal related to the maritime industry and the extent to which these affect the various maritime sectors. Special emphasis is placed on the research priorities and the research and innovation actions that are needed to achieve the objectives of the EGD. Within this context, the thesis reviews individual research projects that have been supported by the European Commission under the «Horizon 2020» and the «Horizon Europe» work programmes. The projects are assessed on the basis of the funding received, as well as from the point of view of their anticipated outcomes and their contribution to the modernization of waterborne transport and the achievement of the main objectives of the EGD. Furthermore, reference will be made on the gaps that have been identified so far in the context of research and technological development, as well as the challenges faced by the maritime industry in the integration of these research and technological discoveries.