Support for Investments in Marine Fisheries (FIS-BMEL)
Grant funding for German companies in the marine fisheries sector for the modernization and purchase of used fishing vessels, focusing on health, environmental, and energy efficiency measures. Nationwide. Funding rate 50%.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The funding aims to improve the competitiveness of companies in the marine fishing sector, ensure the basic supply of the market with fishery products, support the sustainable use of fishery resources, and strengthen the economy in coastal regions.
Eligible expenses
- Initial acquisition of a fishing vessel
- Replacement or modernization of a main or auxiliary engine
- Increase of the gross tonnage of a ship
- Investments to improve energy efficiency
- Measures to protect the marine environment and species conservation
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Non-eligible expenses
- Repairs, maintenance and overhaul work, upkeep measures, pure replacement acquisitions
- Used parts
- Own contributions in the form of labor and material services
- Expenses exceeding the insured value of the vehicle
- Onboard equipment unrelated to sea fishing (except diversification)
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Registered office or place of business in Germany
- Membership in a recognized fishery producer organization (exceptions possible)
- Economically stable and reliably managed
- No ongoing insolvency or enforcement proceedings
- Fishing vessel at least 12 m (at least 8 m for Baltic Sea fisheries), registered in the German ship register or fisheries office
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Documents required for application
- Application to the competent state authority
- Proof of membership in a fishery producer organization
- Proof of economic stability (e.g., annual financial statement)
- Vehicle documents (registration, measurement certificate, entry in the EU vehicle register)
- Financing and investment plan
Evaluation criteria
- Compliance with EMFAF guidelines and operational programs
- Contribution to the sustainable use of fishery resources
- Improvement of energy efficiency
- Economic stability and reliability
Description
The Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Homeland provides nationwide grants within the framework of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) for the modernization and initial or reacquisition of used fishing vessels. Investments aimed at improving energy efficiency, protecting the marine environment, enhancing hygiene, health, and safety conditions, as well as diversifying business activities and direct marketing of fishery products are supported. The grant amount generally covers 50% of eligible expenses, which vary depending on the vessel type and gross tonnage, with minimum amounts ranging between EUR 10,000 and EUR 200,000. Exceptions apply to equipment measures for fishery control and sustainable fishing technology, for which no minimum investment sum is required. A binding period of five years and a ten-year usage duration must be ensured for a lasting effective modernization outcome.
Eligible applicants are small and medium-sized enterprises in the sea fishing sector with headquarters or operations in Germany, who are members of a recognized fishery producer organization and whose fishing vessel measures at least 12 m (8 m for Baltic Sea fisheries) and is registered in the German ship register. Stable economic conditions without insolvency proceedings must be demonstrated. Requirements such as EU measurement certification, registration in the EU fishing vessel record, and a financing and investment plan are part of the funding application to the competent state authority. The aim of the funding is to increase the competitiveness of the fleet, support the sustainable use of resources, and strengthen the maritime economy in coastal regions. Applications may be submitted at any time.
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