The BMDV is continuing its support for the market activation of alternative technologies for the environmentally friendly supply of on-board and mobile shore-side power to seagoing and inland waterway vessels (BordstromTech).
The amendments to the BordstromTech II “Guideline for the market activation of alternative technologies for the environmentally friendly on-board and mobile shore-side power supply of seagoing and inland waterway vessels II” (“Richtlinie zur Marktaktivierung alternativer Technologien für die umweltfreundliche Bordstrom- und mobiler Landstromversorgung von See- und Binnenschiffen II”) required by the current General Block Exemption Regulation (AGVO – Allgemeine Gruppenfreistellungsverordnung) will come into force on January 1, 2024 ( refer to Transport Gazette (Verkehrsblatt) of 15.12.2023, issue 23, p. 711).
BordstromTech II grants investment subsidies for the upgrading of seagoing and inland waterway vessels for the use of shore power, for the generation of on-board power from alternative energy sources or for the procurement of mobile shore-side power systems in seaports and inland ports. With the electrification of ship energy systems using alternative energy storage, energy converter, plug-in and power transfer technologies, energy efficiency advantages can also be used to reduce the overall energy consumption of conventional fossil marine fuels.
Maximum funding limits raised
The focus of the guideline is on the promotion of climate-friendly technologies that use renewable energy sources and contribute to air pollution control in Germany. The funding also creates incentives for the development of supply infrastructures for alternative fuels in German seaports and inland ports or at transshipment facilities and berths in Germany. The maximum grant limits for assistance for seaports and inland ports have been raised as part of the new ceilings of the GBER: Investment grants of up to EUR 5.5 million can be awarded for seaports and up to EUR 2.2 million for inland ports, with a funding rate of up to 80 percent of eligible expenditure for mobile shore-side power supply systems. Both private and public recipients of grants in the shipping sector and the port industry are eligible to apply. The guideline is valid until 31.12.2026. Applications can be submitted as of immediately.
All information on the funding programme and the application process can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Administrative Services (BAV – Bundesanstalt für Verwaltungsdienstleistungen).