German maritime innovation grants
The German ministry for digital matters and transport is providing substantial funding to support sustainable and technologically open modernisation efforts in coastal shipping. Minister Volker Wissing handed out funding certificates worth over EUR 31 million to five shipping companies.
This initiative aims to reduce emissions in coastal shipping by promoting propulsion that goes easier on the environment and wind-assisted systems on 17 vessels, thereby bolstering the adoption of sustainable propulsion technologies in the maritime industry.
The programme has already supported 28 projects with total funding of EUR 59 million, encouraging innovation in existing and new vessels. Projects include hydrogen-powered tugs, diesel-electric ships with wind-assisted systems and efficient electric propulsion systems. The support not only benefits the environment but also strengthens Germany’s maritime industry. (pb)