EMFAF Scheme Supports Fishing Vessel Engine Modernisation (Malta)

Malta’s Ministry responsible for European Funds has launched a funding call to help licensed fishers replace or modernise fishing vessel engines to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. The scheme is available to MFA and MFB licence holders whose vessels meet specific fleet-balance, registration, fishing activity and compliance requirements. Malta Fishing Vessel Engine Modernisation Funding The funding programme supports the replacement or modernisation of fishing vessel engines in Malta. The investment is intended to introduce more energy-efficient engine technology and contribute to the decarbonisation of the fishing sector. By improving vessel energy efficiency, the programme aims to reduce fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions while supporting a cleaner and more sustainable fishing industry. Key Focus Areas

The call focuses specifically on:

Fishing vessel engine replacement Fishing vessel engine modernisation Energy efficiency CO2 emissions reduction Fishing-sector decarbonisation Cleaner fishing technology Sustainable fisheries Modernisation of fishing vessels Reduction of carbon emissions What Does the Funding Support? The scheme supports investments in newer or modernised fishing vessel engines. The objective is to replace older or less efficient engine technology with equipment that can improve the vessel’s energy performance and reduce its environmental impact. The investment is therefore linked to two principal outcomes: Increasing energy efficiency in fishing operations. Reducing CO2 emissions from fishing vessels. The programme forms part of broader efforts to promote a cleaner and more sustainable maritime and fisheries sector in Malta. Who Is Eligible? The scheme is open to MFA and MFB licensed fishers. Applicants must be MFA or MFB Licence Holders and the fishing vessel must satisfy the programme’s eligibility requirements. Fishing Vessel Eligibility The vessel must meet several conditions.

It must:

Belong to a fleet segment that has been determined to be in balance with available fishing resources. Meet the requirements identified in the most recent Malta Fleet Capacity Report. Have been registered in the EU fleet register for at least five years. Have recorded at least 60 days of fishing during the previous two calendar years before the application is submitted. Comply with applicable EU fisheries legislation and requirements. Fleet Balance Requirement A key eligibility condition is that the vessel must belong to a fleet segment considered to be in balance with available fishing resources. This assessment is based on the latest Malta Fleet Capacity Report. The requirement is intended to ensure that investment in vessel modernisation is consistent with sustainable management of fishing capacity and available fisheries resources. Fishing Activity Requirement Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient recent fishing activity. The vessel must have registered at least: 60 days of fishing during the previous two calendar years before the submission of the application. This requirement ensures that support is directed toward vessels with demonstrated recent fishing activity. EU Fleet Registration Requirement The fishing vessel must have been registered in the EU fleet register for at least the previous five years. Applicants should therefore ensure that the vessel’s registration history satisfies the five-year requirement before submitting an application. Serious Infringements Applicants must meet fisheries-compliance requirements. The applicant must not have committed serious infringements under relevant EU laws during the previous two calendar years before submitting the application. Applicants should verify their compliance record before applying because serious fisheries-related infringements can affect eligibility. Why This Programme Matters Fishing vessels rely heavily on engines and fuel for their operations. Older engines can be less energy efficient and may generate higher levels of carbon emissions. Replacing or modernising engines can help the fishing sector transition toward cleaner technologies.

The programme is designed to support:

Better energy efficiency Lower CO2 emissions Cleaner fishing operations Modern vessel technology Fisheries-sector decarbonisation More sustainable maritime activities The investment also supports Malta’s wider efforts to promote environmental sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. How to Apply Eligible fishers should take the following steps before submitting a proposal.

Step 1: Confirm Licence Eligibility

Verify that you are an MFA or MFB Licence Holder.

Step 2: Check the Vessel’s Fleet Segment

Confirm that the vessel belongs to a fleet segment identified as being in balance with available fishing resources under the most recent Malta Fleet Capacity Report.

Step 3: Verify EU Registration

Check that the vessel has been continuously registered in the EU fleet register for at least five years.

Step 4: Confirm Fishing Activity

Verify that the vessel recorded at least 60 fishing days during the previous two calendar years before the application date.

Step 5: Check Compliance History

Confirm that the applicant has not committed a serious infringement under applicable EU legislation during the previous two calendar years.

Step 6: Prepare the Engine Modernisation Proposal

The proposed investment should clearly relate to the replacement or modernisation of the fishing vessel’s engine and demonstrate its contribution to: Energy efficiency CO2 emissions reduction Cleaner fishing operations Sector decarbonisation

Step 7: Submit the Application

Submit the completed project proposal and required supporting documentation according to the call’s application procedures and deadline.

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, applicants should be able to answer yes to all of the following: I am an MFA or MFB Licence Holder. My vessel belongs to an eligible fleet segment. The fleet segment is considered in balance with availabl