The European Commission has approved a €131 million German scheme to support the modernisation of inland waterway fleets in Germany.
The scheme consists of two measures. The first measure aims to increase the competitiveness, efficiency and safety of inland waterway vessels in Germany, by supporting the upgrading of inland waterway vessels.
This is expected to contribute to a modal shift towards inland waterway vessels for freight transport
said the European Commission.
The second measure aims to reduce the negative environmental impact of inland waterway vessels, by lowering emissions through the retrofitting of inland waterway vessels with new, environmentally friendly engines and lower-emission technologies.
Under both measures, the support will take the form of direct grants. The Commission assessed the first measure and found that the measure :
- Is beneficial for the environment and for mobility, as it supports waterway transport, which is less polluting than road transport, while also decreasing road congestion;
- Is proportionate and necessary to achieve the objective pursued, namely to support the modal shift from road to waterways.
The Commission also assessed the second measure, finding that the measure:
- Is proportionate and limited to the minimum necessary, in particular because the level of the aid will be set in principle through a competitive bidding process;
- Will contribute to the reduction of CO2 and air pollutant emissions, in line with the EU’s climate and environmental objectives set out in the European Green Deal.
The Commission concluded that the positive effects of the scheme outweigh any potential distortion of competition and trade brought about by the aid. For this reason, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.
