Apply for the Infrastructure Scheme round 3: port improvements
Find out how to apply for funding to improve port infrastructure for the commercial catching sector.
This is a trial to gather evidence which will be used to shape future funding opportunities. To get funding, you must be involved in our evaluation process.
Funding is available from up to £10 million which has been allocated from the UK Seafood Fund to the catching sector.
When to apply
Round 3 is open for applications until midday on 13 December 2024, or until all funding has been allocated – whichever happens first.
Defra will allocate funding on a first come first served basis to applicants who meet the criteria.
All successful projects must be completed by 31 March 2025.
Who can apply
You can apply for funding if you are:
- a port (including trust ports) or port authority
- a business directly supporting the catching sector and located on port grounds
You need to provide match funding for your project. You must include evidence that you will provide match funding when you submit your application.
Projects that can be funded
Defra can fund projects to improve port infrastructure, including projects:
- to improve the infrastructure of fishing ports, auctions halls, landing sites and shelters
- for quality control equipment at ports
- for electrification, including installing charging points and solar panels
- for freezing and temporary storage facilities
- to improve access for vehicles
- to improve access for boats, including slipways
- to improve health and safety
This list is not exhaustive. You should contact the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) using the UK Fisheries Support System (UKFSS) to ask any questions about eligibility.
How to apply
You must apply using the UK Fisheries Support System (UKFSS).
Before you apply
If you are not the owner of the land where the work will take place, you must seek approval from the owner and have permission to make the requested modifications.
Register on UKFSS
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Go to the UKFSS website.
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Select ‘Start now’.
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Read and accept the terms of use for the service and select ‘Create an account’.
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Read and complete each page on the system – select ‘Next’ or ‘Back’ to move between each page.
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Once you have chosen a password, select ‘Create Account’.
You will be sent an email with a link to confirm and activate your account.
Read the application documents
- Applicant guidance on funding for port infrastructure improvements
- Terms and conditions template
- Privacy notice
Complete and submit your application
Complete the application form.
All questions will be scored with either a pass or fail. You will need to pass all questions for your application to progress further.
Log in to your account on the UKFSS and:
- complete all online fields
- upload all documents listed above and those listed under section 2 of the applicant guidance
- submit your application
Ask a question
You can submit questions about the application process or general enquiries within the UKFSS:
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Log in and select ‘Ask a question’.
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Select the scheme you would like to ask a question about, then select a category and a subject.
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Enter your question in the text box provided and select ‘Submit question’.
Match funding
While the total cost of your project may be higher, the amount of funding we will provide will be between £150,000 and £500,000.
You can apply for up to 80% if you are a:
- small-scale coastal fleet organisations
- micro-entity
- public body
- trust port
- producer organisations
- fishermen’s association or cooperative
You can apply for up to 50% if you are a small or medium-sized enterprise.
You can apply for up to 30% if you are a private applicant.
If you are not sure what level of match funding you are entitled to, please use the ‘Ask a question’ service on UKFSS.
If your application is successful
You will receive a grant funding agreement through the UKFSS. You need to accept the agreement and agree the commencement date with the MMO before you start your project.
If your application is unsuccessful
You will be notified by the UKFSS.
You can re-apply to schemes if you are eligible.