UK Seafood Fund: Fleet modernisation – engine replacement & engine modifications

You can apply for funding for a new engine or the modification of an engine if you have a commercial fishing vessel which:

• is registered in the United Kingdom under Part 2 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and whose entry in the register specifies a port in the United Kingdom as the port to which the boat is to be treated as belonging

• has a valid commercial fishing licence and is engaged in commercial fishing (you sell your catch)

• belongs to a fleet segment which is in balance (not targeting stocks that are at risk of being harvested unsustainably) with the fishing opportunities available to that segment, as determined by the Administrator’s fleet capacity report

You must secure match funding to be eligible to receive a grant under this round.

The following applicants will not be eligible to for funding through this scheme:

• Applicants involved in recreational fishing (meaning not commercial fishing, as defined above)

• Applicants who have been convicted of fraud under any fisheries scheme

• Applicants who have been convicted of an offence that the MMO considers to be a ‘serious infringement or fraud’, in the 12 months before applying

• Applicants who have committed a serious violation of conservation or management measures within the preceding 12 months

• Applicants who are listed by the flag state, the subsidising party, the food and agricultural organisation (FAO) or a relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisation, or Arrangement for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in accordance with the rules and procedures of that state, party, organisation, or arrangement and in conformity with international law

The objectives of this round of funding are to:

• provide the opportunity for new engine technologies to be tested by commercial fishing vessels

• gain a better understanding of what blockers are preventing upgrading to more efficient and reliable engines

• contribute to levelling-up to support and develop coastal communities

• contribute to the government’s targets on Net Zero by investing in projects that aim to reduce fuel use and carbon emissions over time

• gather data and evidence to inform how UK commercial vessels can become more sustainable and efficient, safer and more reliable, whilst using less fuel and emitting fewer greenhouse gas emissions

The timetable below is subject to change by the Authority. You will be informed of any changes to the timetable through signing up to alerts on the UKFSS UK Seafood Fund: Infrastructure Scheme webpage.

Application stage

Date (and time where applicable)

Applicants can contact the Administrator if they have questions about the application process

Up to 29 November 2024 (or until all funds for the trial are allocated)

Deadline for submission of applications

12:00 GMT 13 December 2024 (or until all funds for the trial are allocated)

Due diligence and eligibility checks

Will commence from receipt of a completed application

Funding end date

All engines must have been fitted and funding claimed by 31 March 2025

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, at £147 per hour, which you cannot claim back

You must upload a copy of your forms and the email you sent to MCA on the UKFSS.

Apply for the UK Seafood Fund: Infrastructure Scheme round 3 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)