Guidance

Apply for the Infrastructure Scheme round 3: vessel improvements

Find out how to apply for funding to improve vessels to reduce fuel use and emissions

From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published
14 December 2023

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:

  • fishing business engaged in commercial fishing
  • producer organisation, public body, fishermen’s association or cooperative working in the seafood sector

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 commercial vessels, including projects:

  • that are aimed at the reduction of energy consumption, including audits of the vessel and recommended changes
  • to improve the hydrodynamics of the hulls of vessels
  • to improve the propulsion system of the vessel, costs related to the purchase and, if necessary, the installation of relevant items
  • for more sustainable gear that enables the vessel to move with greater energy efficiency
  • to encourage the re-cycling of heat within the vessel, involving the heat being recovered and re-used for other auxiliary purposes within the vessel

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

You must contact a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) marine office to:

  • get advice about your project and possible implications for the safety and stability of your vessel
  • find out what forms you need to submit to the MCA for approval – this may include a cost for an inspection, which you cannot claim back

You must upload a copy of your forms and the email you sent to MCA on the UKFSS.

Register on UKFSS

  1. Go to the UKFSS website.

  2. Select ‘Start now’.

  3. Read and accept the terms of use for the service and select ‘Create an account’.

  4. Read and complete each page on the system – select ‘Next’ or ‘Back’ to move between each page.

  5. 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

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:

  1. Log in and select ‘Ask a question’.

  2. Select the scheme you would like to ask a question about, then select a category and a subject.

  3. 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 that we will provide will be between £65,000 and £200,000.

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 other schemes if you are eligible.

Published 14 December 2023
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