Guidance

Apply for the Infrastructure Scheme round 3: engine improvements

Find out how to apply for funding to replace or modify engines for commercial fishing vessels (fleet modernisation).

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 14 December 2023
• Last updated: 19 July 2024 — See all updates

This guidance was withdrawn on 3 September 2024

Applications for round 3 of the Infrastructure Scheme have now closed.

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 will close for new applications at 11:59pm on 2 August 2024.

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 have a commercial fishing vessel that:

• is registered in the UK under Part 2 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995
• is registered at a port in the UK
• has a valid commercial fishing licence
• belongs to a fleet segment which is in ‘balance’ – this means not targeting stocks that are at risk of being harvested unsustainably – the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will check this

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 the modification, replacement and fitting costs of:

• new electric and hybrid engines, to replace petrol and diesel engines of any age
• new petrol and diesel engines, to replace existing petrol and diesel engines manufactured before January 2016
• modifications to a vessel that are required to install a new engine
• engine modifications that reduce fuel use or emissions, including the introduction of hydrogen injection technology to reduce fuel use
• engine modifications to allow alternative fuels to be used in existing engines that emit fewer emissions

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

• Applicant guidance on funding to replace or modify engines for commercial fishing vessels (fleet modernisation)
• 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:

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

You can apply for a up to 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £160,000 for:

• an electric or hybrid engine
• for modifications to allow hydrotreated vegetable oil to be used as a fuel source that can demonstrate emission reductions of at least 30%

You can apply for up to 50% of the costs, up to a maximum of £80,000, for a diesel or petrol engine.

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
Last updated 19 July 2024 + show all updates

1. 19 July 2024

   Round 3 will close for new applications at 11:59pm on 2 August 2024.

2. 14 December 2023

   First published.