EC allows Netherlands subsidies for Inland Waterways diesels

The European Commission today authorized a Dutch aid scheme that grants subsidies for the replacement or retrofitting of diesel engines used by inland waterways vessels. The scheme will be in force for 5 years with a total budget of approximately Euros 20 million (about US $24 million).

The aim of the scheme is to achieve a substantial reduction in the NOx's emissions of the existing Netherlands inland waterways fleet by subsidizing low-emission diesel engines.

In particular, the scheme will grant subsidies for investment in:

acquisition of a low-emission diesel engine instead of a conventional diesel engine when building a new vessel or reengining an existing vessel

acquisition of a low-emission diesel engine instead of overhauling a conventional diesel engine currently in use;

retrofitting a current conventional diesel engine into a low-emission engine.

The scheme will benefit vessels registered in the Netherlands irrespective of nationality.

The Commission considers the scheme to be in line with the EC Treaty, in particular with the Guidelines on State Aid for Environmental Protection which allow subsidies for equipment intended to reduce or eliminate pollution and nuisances can be allowed.

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