Waterborne Freight Grant
WFG can assist a company with the operating costs associated with running waterborne freight transport instead of road, where transport by water is more expensive.
- Opening date: (Midnight)
- Closing date: (Midnight)
Contents
Summary
Waterborne Freight Grant (WFG) can assist a company with the operating costs associated with running waterborne freight transport instead of road, where transport by water is more expensive. The primary aim of the scheme is to provide time limited support for the inception of new services.
WFG can support coastal or short sea shipping services, on condition that, after a period of grant aid the service will be economically viable without grant support. Your application would need to demonstrate that this is the case. The applicant will also need to demonstrate that in the absence of the waterborne grant, the freight would be moved by road.
Eligibility
Any ship-owner wishing to move freight by water using UK ports or harbours and which results in the removal of freight from British roads may apply for a WFG.
Objectives
WFG is designed to facilitate and support modal shift to waterborne freight services, generating environmental and wider social benefits from reduced lorry journeys on Britain’s roads.
Dates
The main bid round takes place in February of each year. Subsequent bid rounds depend on budget availability.
How to apply
WFG application form and guidance is avaiable on freight grants website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-transport-delivers-more-grant-funding-to-transport-freight-by-rail/mode-shift-revenue-support-and-waterborne-freight-grant-applications-and-background-information
Supporting information
All available grant funding for 2025/26 financial year has been fully allocated. As a result, no further bidding rounds are expected. The WFG is currently scheduled to expire on 31 March 2026. A decision on whether to continue or replace this scheme beyond that date will be made by the Department for Transport closer to the expiry.