Sustainable Modernization of Inland Waterway Vessels for the Shift of Freight Transport from Road to Waterway
Companies receive grants for digitization, automation, and structural renovation measures for the sustainable modernization of their inland vessels and the shift of freight transport from road to waterways.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Promotion of investments in digital information technology, assistance systems, and structural modifications for the sustainable modernization of inland vessels, in order to shift freight traffic from road to waterways and improve operational capability.
Eligible expenses
- Investments in digital information technology and assistance systems
- Conversion and modification measures on board
- Hydrodynamic and propulsion improvement measures
- Structural modifications and loading facilities
Non-eligible expenses
- Measures that are legally required
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Registered office or establishment in Germany
- Registration as the owner of an inland vessel in a German inland vessel register by the completion of the application process
- Commercial use of the vessel for inland navigation
- Purpose-bound commercial use for at least 5 years
- Submission of a valid seaworthiness certificate
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Documents required for application
- Application for grant approval
- Manufacturer's declaration for exhaust aftertreatment system
- Manufacturer's declaration for fuel-water emulsion system
- Additional provisions on emission protection and KWE systems
- Proof of use forms
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content
- Contribution to shifting traffic to the waterway
- Environmental and emission reduction
- Benefit under low water conditions
Description
The funding program for the sustainable modernization of inland vessels enables small and medium-sized enterprises nationwide to invest in digital information technology, assistance systems, as well as targeted conversion and adaptation measures on board. The goal is to shift freight transport from road to waterways while simultaneously optimizing operational capability during low water levels. Funded measures include automated control systems, collision warning systems, hydrodynamic improvements, propulsion optimizations, as well as structural adaptations of loading equipment and bulkheads. Through the integration of renewable energies and energy-efficient technologies, the program makes a sustainable contribution to climate protection and emission reduction in the transport sector.
Companies with headquarters or branches in Germany, who are recognized as owners of an inland vessel registered in the German inland vessel register and who commercially use it for at least five years, can receive grants covering 60% to 80% of eligible expenses. The funding amount is capped at a maximum of €4.5 million per project. Prerequisites include a valid seaworthiness certificate, compliance with specified emission limits, and registration of the vessel by the conclusion of the application process. Applications can be submitted continuously online or in writing. Required documents include, among others, the application for grant approval, manufacturer declarations for exhaust aftertreatment systems and fuel-water emulsion systems, as well as proof of use forms. The Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping (GDWS), as the granting authority, evaluates projects based on their degree of innovation, environmental impact, and contribution to modal shift.