Contrary to fears, the federal government will continue to support “climate-neutral” shipbuilding projects in the future. This was announced at a VSM event in Berlin.
The German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association(VSM) had traditionally invited guests to its Parliamentary Evening in Berlin. And there was good news to announce to the almost 400 guests in the Baden-Württemberg state representation. Contrary to initial fears, the “climate-neutral ship” funding program will be continued.
During the consultations on the 2024 federal budget, which also involved cuts to the budgets of the ministries, the funding program had in the meantime been removed from the list. However, at the insistence of the maritime industry, it will now be continued after all. This means that €30 million is still available annually in the budget of Economics Minister Robert Habeck. A further €36 million has been earmarked as commitment funding.
VSM welcomes signal for shipbuilding
As part of the MARITIME.zeroGHG funding priority, grants will also be available in future for the development of market-ready technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on ships. The entire ship’s life cycle will be considered. As existing fleets still have a long remaining service life of over 20 years in some cases, alternative fuels and innovative drives are also being tested, particularly as part of retrofit concepts.
This is also linked to the goal of increasing the competitiveness of German shipyards on a global scale. In view of the dominance of Asian, primarily Chinese, shipbuilding, the news was very well received at the VSM evening.
The keynote speaker was the leader of the FDP parliamentary group in the Bundestag, Christian Dürr.
