Tijdelijke subsidieregeling vroege opschaling energietransitie zeeschepen 2026-2030

About this grant

The Tijdelijke subsidieregeling vroege opschaling energietransitie zeeschepen 2026-2030 is a temporary Dutch subsidy scheme run by RVO to accelerate the energy transition of sea-going vessels by supporting early uptake of low-emission propulsion. It funds investment in hydrogen or methanol energy lines for newbuilds (covering the extra cost over a standard comparable ship) or for retrofits of existing vessels (covering total retrofit costs). Optional add-ons include energy-saving technologies such as solar panels, and the purchase and installation of a battery pack; these add-ons are only eligible when the applicant also invests in a hydrogen or methanol energy line. The scheme is a tender: all complete applications received on time are assessed after the closing date and ranked by an independent advisory committee against five weighted criteria, with budget allocated to the highest scorers. Criteria cover the credibility of the hydrogen or methanol supply chain and vessel operating profile for real GHG reductions (max 30 points), the quantified GHG reduction contribution (max 25), plan quality and budget justification (max 25), European involvement and supply-chain cooperation (max 15), and contribution to the Joint Maritime Digital Platform (max 5). Minimum scores apply to the first and third criteria. Subsidy covers up to 40% of eligible costs, raised by 10 percentage points for a zero-emission vessel after completion and by a further 10% for medium-sized or 20% for small enterprises. Maximum subsidy is EUR 4 million per project, with energy-saving measures and battery packs each capped at EUR 400,000. Advances of up to 80% are paid, with the rest on finalisation. Projects must not start before the application is submitted, cover one ship per application, start within 6 months of the grant decision and finish within 3 years. The ship must remain registered to a Dutch-established shipowner for 24 months after finalisation. Recipients must contribute to knowledge sharing and an evaluation for up to 5 years after finalisation. The initial opening provides a total budget of EUR 29 million, with a subsequent round to be set separately. The application window runs from 6 October 2026 09:00 to 9 February 2027 17:00 (times as stated on the page, timezone not explicitly stated; Dutch local time implied). Decisions are issued within 13 weeks of tender closure.

Eligibility

Shipowners (reders) that operate a business in the Netherlands and are registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) are eligible. The vessel must be a sea or coastal vessel for passenger or cargo transport, or for nautical or other services. The vessel must qualify as a clean sea vessel or zero-emission sea vessel after project completion, and the vessel must remain registered to a Dutch-established shipowner for at least 24 months after finalisation. The enterprise must not be in difficulty (onderneming in moeilijkheden). Applicants must hold eHerkenning level 3. Subsidy cannot be cumulated with other state aid beyond CEEAG limits. Only one ship may be covered per application, though multiple applications are permitted.

How it's scored

Applications are assessed by an independent advisory committee against five ranking criteria totalling a maximum of 100 points: (a) credibility of the planned hydrogen or methanol route and supply chain for actual GHG reduction, up to 30 points, minimum 15 required; (b) GHG emission reduction contribution based on a substantiated calculation, up to 25 points; (c) quality of the project execution plan including budget justification, up to 25 points, minimum 13 required; (d) European involvement, use of European manufacturers and suppliers, and supply-chain cooperation, up to 15 points; (e) contribution to the Joint Maritime Digital Platform, up to 5 points. Applications failing the minimum scores for criteria a or c are rejected as qualitatively insufficient. Submission order does not affect assessment. Budget is allocated to the highest-ranking applicants.

Key requirements

• ✓Applicant must be a shipowner (reder) established in the Netherlands
• ✓Vessel must be newbuild or retrofit powered by hydrogen or methanol; battery packs and energy-saving technologies also eligible
• ✓Applications accepted from 6 October 2026 up to and including 9 February 2027

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) offer?

Tijdelijke subsidieregeling vroege opschaling energietransitie zeeschepen 2026-2030 offers $4.4M.

When is the Tijdelijke subsidieregeling vroege opschaling energietransitie zeeschepen 2026-2030 deadline?

Applications close 9 Feb 2027 16:00.

Who can apply for Tijdelijke subsidieregeling vroege opschaling energietransitie zeeschepen 2026-2030?

Eligibility covers organisations in NL; sme, large-company, consortium. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Shipping and maritime funding covers zero-emission vessels, alternative fuels, port electrification and efficiency retrofits. It comes from transport ministries, port authorities, research programmes and industry coalitions. Applicants are commonly asked to show vessel or port partners and a plan for fuel supply.