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Temporary Subsidy Scheme for Early Scaling of the Energy Transition for Inland Vessels

Temporary Subsidy Scheme for Early Scaling of the Energy Transition for Inland Vessels. Read more information here

The Temporary Subsidies Scheme for Early Expansion of the Energy Transition for Inland Vessels (TSVOEB) is final. With the scheme, subsidies are available for inland waterway operators who invest in the sustainability of their vessel's propulsion. Loading and refueling infrastructure can also be supported under certain conditions.

The first application round opens on November 17, 2026 and runs until March 16, 2027.

Subsidies for various energy lines

The TSVOEB supports the purchase and installation of various types of energy lines. Electrification is given priority within the scheme, but there are also options for ships for which fully electric operation is not suitable.

Subsidies are available for:

  • battery-electric drive;
  • electric boating with a hydrogen fuel cell;
  • methanol engines;
  • hydrogen engines;
  • Hybrid electric propulsion for smaller vessels.

Subsidies can be applied for battery-electric propulsion for both new construction and the conversion of an existing vessel.

Up to € 2.5 million for battery-powered electric boating

For a battery-powered electric line, the subsidy is capped at 50% of the eligible costs. The following maximum amounts apply:

  • € 800,000 per ship for a battery-powered electric line without the need to purchase batteries;
  • € 2.5 million per ship when the purchase of batteries is part of the application;
  • € 600,000 per project for charging or refueling infrastructure.

Additional subsidy percentages may apply for medium-sized and small enterprises and for emission-free inland vessels. The maximum subsidy amounts per energy line remain applicable in this case.

Support for charging infrastructure is also included

The scheme also offers opportunities for the purchase and installation of charging or refueling infrastructure. For this, a subsidy of up to 40% of the eligible costs applies, up to a maximum of €600,000 per project.

This subsidy cannot be applied for separately. Subsidies must also be applied for within the same project for an energy line, and the application for infrastructure must be submitted through a partnership.

€ 36.9 million available in first opening

For the opening in 2026, a total of € 36.9 million Available. Of this, €8.1 million is reserved for battery-powered electric energy lines and €10 million for onshore infrastructure. Separate budgets are also available for the other energy lines.

The scheme runs for several years. A total of € 231.2 million is provided for the period 2026 to 2029.

Requests are being sorted

The TSVOEB operates through a tender procedure. This means that the order in which applications are received has no influence on the evaluation. After the application period closes, complete applications are evaluated and ranked.

Among other things, consideration is given to the CO₂ reduction potential and the expected CO₂ reduction in relation to the requested subsidy amount. The justification for these calculations and the quality of the project plan are also taken into account.

An application requires, among other things, a project plan, CO₂ calculations and supporting documentation. RVO makes mandatory formats available for this purpose. The work within the project may not have started at the time of application.

Joining the Condor approach

For Condor, the scheme is relevant for the further scaling up of battery-powered electric boating. Within Condor, we share knowledge, bring parties together, and help organize and facilitate initiatives.

At the same time, we are developing our approach to waterway development within the ARA area. Together with ports, terminals and other stakeholders, we are investigating where sufficient energy demand is emerging, where charging infrastructure is operational and economically viable, and how investments can be mobilized from the ground up.

The combination of investments in ships and the necessary infrastructure is important in this context. The TSVOEB offers subsidies for both components.

Are you thinking about battery-powered new construction or conversion of your ship? Or about the implementation of charging infrastructure? Then contact us.

More information

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and RVO explained the scheme on September 30 during the Scheepsmotoren Event. The presentation provides more information about, among other things, the conditions, subsidy amounts, application procedure and planning.

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About Rianne de Vries

With in-depth knowledge of sustainable propulsion technologies, alternative fuels and infrastructure solutions for the inland navigation and maritime sector, I actively contribute in various ways to accelerating the transition to zero-emission transport. I use my experience in ports, maritime sector combined with a pramatic approach to create system conditions for large-scale sustainability of inland navigation.

About Renze Boersema

In this project, I focus on developing and validating the financial and strategic rationale for zero-emission boating. Specifically, I visualise the business case for both hydrogen and battery-electric solutions, with an eye for operational and economic feasibility. I also conduct discussions with banks to formulate clear financing requirements that match the specific characteristics of sustainable inland vessels. Finally, I provide an overview of available subsidy schemes and support options, so that the sector can make optimal use of incentives for sustainability.

About Johan Gille

From the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Johan focuses on a reliable, future-proof and sustainable waterway network. After all, inland shipping is the lifeline for the port. He has a broad network in government, provinces and inland ports and promotes the development and standardised deployment of instruments that governments can use to support the move to zero emission inland shipping.

About Irma Belgraver

Irma focuses on developing financing arrangements to support zero-emission shipping. From a strong network within the inland navigation sector, government organisations, industry associations and knowledge institutes, she initiates collaborations to strengthen the economic feasibility of sustainability. In the coming period, strategic options will be explored to optimise the business case.

About Eric Warners

Eric Warners worked in the port of Amsterdam for more than seven years on initiatives to make shipping and industry more sustainable. He has been involved with Condor since October 2024. Eric has always gericht on complex issues that can only be solved through (public-private) cooperation. For the past decade, his focus has been entirely on the maritime and industrial sectors.

About Wouter Vuijk

Within the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Wouter works on making inland navigation more sustainable, with a specific focus on the transition to emission-free sailing. At Condor, he supervises the process in which, in cooperation with the sector, technical standards are being developed. This removes an important threshold for this transition.