European Maritime Space and Inland ports (AFIF) - works

The objective of this call is to modernise maritime transport infrastructure on the TEN-T network and reduce the environmental impact of transport by promoting efficient short sea shipping links and greener inland shipping. Projects include deployment of onshore-power supply and charging infrastructure in TEN-T maritime and inland ports, retrofitting or fitting energy systems of inland waterway and short sea shipping vessels (including ferries), and the integration of renewable energy and energy storage systems. The scope extends to supporting the use of electric, hybrid, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biomethane technologies, wind-assisted propulsion systems, and batteries, benefiting both maritime and inland waterway operations.

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Agency	CEF (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, Government organization, NGO, Other
Start date	18 Jun 2026
End date	6 Oct 2026
Max funding	For the fitting or retrofitting of vessels, the grant amount shall be limited to a maximum of EUR 5 million per vessel.
Budget	EUR 200,000,000 planned for 2026.
Coverage	Synergetic elements (e.g. renewable energy or storage) must not exceed 20% of the total eligible project costs.

Grant application conditions

Eligible projects	Deployment of onshore-power supply and charging infrastructure in TEN-T maritime and inland ports. Fitting or retrofitting energy systems (electric, hybrid, H2, ammonia, methanol, biomethane, wind-assisted propulsion) of inland waterway and short sea shipping vessels (including ferries).
Maritime ports and vessels eligibility	Projects must involve TEN-T core or comprehensive maritime ports or inland waterway ports. Maritime ferries of at least 2000 GT in regular passenger, vehicle, or cargo service on fixed routes between two or more maritime ports, at least one being TEN-T core/comprehensive. Short sea shipping vessels of at least 2000 GT operating in coastal areas, calling at least one TEN-T core/comprehensive maritime port. Inland waterway vessels operating on the TEN-T inland waterway network (Section 2, TEN-T Regulation 2024/1679), longer than 20 meters or with more than 12 passenger capacity.
Technology requirements	Eligible energy systems: electric, hybrid, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biomethane, and wind-assisted propulsion systems. Hybrid electric vessels must achieve shore-side battery charging (SBC) with battery capacity allowing at least 10 nautical miles operation.
Project requirements	Facilities and infrastructure must be accessible for use by all operators on a non-discriminatory basis. Synergetic renewable or storage elements are allowed if they provide clear environmental or socio-economic benefits and do not exceed 20% of the total eligible costs.
Timing	The fitting or retrofitting contract must be signed after the call publication date and no later than 31 December 2027.
Flag and service requirements	Vessels receiving support must fly an EU flag and serve at least one TEN-T maritime or inland port for at least 5 years after project completion.
Application content	A clear cost breakdown per component/equipment necessary for vessel fitting or retrofitting. Explanation of current or planned fuelling and recharging capacities at ports. Explanation of project contribution to EU manufacturing capacity and use of EU-made technologies (EU Industrial Maritime Strategy).
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/CEF-T-2026-SUSTMOBGEN-EMS-WORKS

Eligible expenses

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements