The Federal Transport Ministry has announced that it plans to allocate up to 14 million euros to support the development of zero-emission inland vessels. This funding is part of the “Green Inland Shipping” program, specifically under Funding Line 2, which focuses on relocating public transport and commercial traffic to regional waterways.
Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) stated that the financial support is designed to cover not only the purchase or retrofitting of ships but also the necessary accompanying infrastructure, such as hydrogen and fueling stations within ports. The overall aim of the program is to expedite the deployment of emissions-free inland vessels on the waterways, thereby enabling new regional logistics and mobility options.
The designated funding supports initiatives including equipping new vessels with emission-free propulsion systems, modifying existing ships, and investing in port infrastructure. Eligible applicants include various economic actors, including companies and municipalities across Germany. Applications can be submitted starting September 1, 2026, with the deadline set for October 19, 2026.
