Marine Management Organisation
Up to 2 million in grant funding is available to modernise the small-scale coastal fleet with replacement engines.
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.
The 2 million is from a total of 10 million in grant funding that will be available to the catching sector.
The Infrastructure Scheme is part of the UK Seafood Fund.
When to apply
Round 3: fleet modernisation is now open for applications.
You must submit your application before midday on 31 October 2023 (or until Defra has allocated all the funding).
If you are successful, you must fit all engines and claim the funding by 30 April 2024.
Who can apply
You can apply for funding for an engine if you have a commercial fishing vessel which:
- 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
- is part of the small-scale coastal fleet: is a fishing vessel with an overall length of 11.99 meters or less which uses static (non-towed) gear
- belongs to a fleet segment which is in balance: not targeting stocks that are at risk of being harvested unsustainably - this will be checked by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
Projects that will be funded
Defra will fund the 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 2011
- modifications to a vessel that are required to install a new engine
Defra will allocate funding on a first come first served basis to applicants who meet the criteria.
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 which you cannot claim back as part of your application
You must upload a copy of your forms and the email you have submitted to MCA on the UKFSS.
Then you must read the:
- Infrastructure Scheme guidance - Invitation to Apply (ITA): this explains the requirements and criteria for this round
- Infrastructure Scheme - agreement and terms: you must declare you agree to these documents as part of your application
Register on?UKFSS
This video user guide explains how to register, ask a question and submit your application on the?UKFSS.
Go to the UKFSS website.
Select Start now.
Read and accept the terms of use for the service and select Create an account.
Read and complete each page on the system select Next or Back to move between each page.
Once you have chosen a password, select Create Account.
You will be sent an email with a link to confirm and activate your account.
How to submit your application
Read the:
Complete the:
Log in to your account on the UKFSS and:
- complete all online fields
- upload all documents listed above and those listed under section 2, paragraph 72 of the ITA
- submit your application
Ask a question
If youve already registered on UKFSS, you can submit a question through your account:
Log in and select Ask a question.
Select the scheme you would like to ask a question about, then select a category and a subject.
Enter your question in the text box provided and select Submit question.
Match funding
You need to provide match funding for your project. You must include evidence that you will provide match funding when you submit your application.
The amount of match funding you need to provide will depend on the engine being fitted:
- for an electric or hybrid engine you can apply for a maximum of 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of 40,000
- for a diesel or petrol engine, you can apply for a maximum of 50% of the costs, up to a maximum of 20,000
If you are not sure what level of match funding youre entitled to, please use the Ask a question service on UKFSS.
If your application is successful
Once you have submitted your application and uploaded all the required documents, Defra will assess your application on a first come first served basis.
If 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
If your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified by the UKFSS.
If you are unsuccessful, you can re-apply to future schemes if you are eligible.
Keep up to date
Sign up to receive emails when this page is updated.
If you have any questions
You can submit questions about the application process or general enquiries within the UK Fisheries Support System.
Last updated 28 March 2023