Second application window for the inland shipping electrification subsidy is open

Good news for inland shipping operators who want to sail with ZESpacks. The Incentive Scheme for the Electrification of Inland Vessels has reopened. The scheme reimburses part of the costs for newbuild or retrofit to an electric propulsion system suitable for the ZES concept with swappable battery containers.

In brief

  • Subsidy rate: up to 40 percent of eligible costs.
  • Maximum per vessel:
    • €550,000 for newbuild or if the vessel already had diesel-electric or fully electric propulsion.
    • €750,000 if the vessel previously had only a conventional internal combustion engine.
  • What is covered: installation of electric propulsion and the components required for fully electric sailing within the ZES concept.
  • What is not covered: battery containers and internal combustion engines.

Emission label
After sailing for a full calendar year within the NGF project, the beneficiary applies for an emission label from Stichting Afvalstoffen en Vaardocumenten Binnenvaart. The requirement has been updated:

  • B2 for vessels that meet Stage V.
  • At least B3 for vessels that do not meet Stage V.
    The earlier provision about label A0 as of 1 July 2026 has been removed.

Application periods

  • 2025: 1 September through 15 October
  • 2026: 15 January through 15 March

Applications are submitted via the official scheme page. There you will find the forms, conditions, and required attachments.

Read all conditions and apply for the subsidy here

Questions about the impact on your operation
Do you want to understand the operational and financial impact for your vessel and sailing profile within the ZES concept? Contact us at info@zeroemissionservices.nl or reach out directly to Michiel Smit at michiel.smit@zeroemissionservices.nl.