Inland shipping operators can apply for a subsidy starting October 8 that helps them purchase a cleaner engine. The subsidy scheme for the sustainability of inland vessels (SRVB) supports them in replacing their existing engine with a stage V engine. Inland shipping operators need to act quickly: the SRVB will open one last time this year. This subsidy scheme will not return in this form after this year. 

A short opening

Operators can apply from October 8 until October 15. This opening is an extra round because money was left over from the previous application period earlier this year. Inland vessels for passenger transport and vessels smaller than 39 meters had difficulty meeting the SRVB requirements. As a result, many of these applications were rejected, leaving budget available.

Budget still unknown

The amount of the budget in this extra application round is still unknown. This depends on the subsidy remaining from the first opening in 2025. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is currently still assessing the applications from this earlier round. RVO implements this scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The expectation is that 8 to 24 applications can still receive subsidies. 

Clean stage V engine or catalyst

The aim of this scheme is to improve air quality and reduce CO2 and nitrogen emissions. Through the scheme, operators can replace older engines with stage V engines. Alternatively, operators can purchase and install an SCR catalyst on the existing engine. 

The distribution of the subsidy is based on first come, first served. If there are more applications than available funds, a lottery will be held by a notary.

On behalf of:
  • Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management