Germany launches programme to support zero- and low-emission inland shipping

Germany-based companies, municipalities and other interested parties can apply for funding from 17 August.

IMAGE: German inland waterways. BMV

Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) has allocated €70 million (around $81 million) to accelerate the adoption of zero- and low-emission technologies in inland shipping through the programme titled "Directive on Grants for Green Inland Navigation".

The funding is expected support the conversion of existing cargo vessels to emission-free or low-emission propulsion systems, as well as the construction of renewable electricity and renewable hydrogen production plants and their associated storage solutions.

The programme also seeks to invest in port infrastructure, which includes charging facilities and bunkering infrastructure for alternative fuels like hydrogen, ammonia and methanol.

The application deadline will be announced at a later date.

“Inland navigation is an efficient and climate-friendly mode of transport with great future potential. With our new funding program, we are creating the conditions for emission-free propulsion systems and the necessary charging and refueling infrastructure to be implemented more quickly,” German Federal Minister of Transport Steffen Bilger said.

By Tuhin Roy

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