Sustainability challenge for inland shipping
Inland shipping faces an important sustainability challenge. Making the sector more sustainable is a necessary step in the broader ambition of achieving a climate-neutral and future-proof transport sector.
Inland shipping plays a vital role in freight transport in the Netherlands and Europe, but still produces significant greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. By investing in zero-emission propulsion technologies, alternative fuels, and smart logistics solutions, the sector can significantly reduce its ecological footprint. This not only contributes to achieving national and European climate targets but also strengthens the economic position of inland shipping in a changing market where sustainability is increasingly a prerequisite for cooperation and financing.
For this reason, the government has introduced the Subsidy Scheme for the Greening of Inland Vessels. For more information, visit the website of the Dutch government. Skippers wishing to invest in a clean engine or catalyst may be eligible for this scheme. An extra application round will be open from October 8 to 15. The exact budget for this round is not yet known.
For applications in 2025, the subsidy will cover up to 20% of the total investment costs (including installation) and up to €400,000 per vessel. The scheme aims to reduce CO2 emissions by replacing older engines with Stage V engines or by purchasing and installing an SCR catalyst for existing engines.
From 2026 onward, a new subsidy scheme will be developed, in line with the Temporary Subsidy Scheme for the Greening of Inland Vessels 2021–2025.