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Fishermen across England can now apply for grant funding towards new engines and gearboxes for their boats, after the government expanded one of its main fishing industry funding schemes. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) confirmed on Monday that the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) has been widened to cover vessel engine and gearbox upgrades, with contributions of up to 90% available to operators switching to electric or hybrid power.
The change is aimed at helping ageing vessels modernise, cut fuel costs and reduce the emissions produced by diesel and petrol powered fishing boats. It comes as the scheme, funded through the government's Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, continues to draw strong interest from the industry since reopening for applications in April.
At a glance
- From 15 September 2026, the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme offers grant contributions towards new engines and gearboxes for fishing vessels in England.
- Small Scale Coastal Fleet operators can claim 65% of the cost of a new petrol or diesel engine, while other vessels can claim 50%.
- Any vessel switching to an electric or hybrid engine can claim a 90% grant contribution, regardless of its size or the operator's business scale.
- The scheme is run by the Marine Management Organisation on behalf of Defra and is funded through the £304 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.
- Since FaSS reopened in April 2026, the Marine Management Organisation has approved more than £5 million of investment for fishing and seafood projects.
Engine and Gearbox Grants Join the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme
From today, fishing vessel owners can apply through FaSS for a grant contribution towards a new engine or gearbox, on top of the wider range of projects the scheme already funds. The scheme is administered by the Marine Management Organisation on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), and forms part of the government's broader push to support coastal communities and seafood businesses across England.
FaSS draws its funding from the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, a Defra scheme worth £304 million over 12 years, of which around £132 million is expected to be allocated up to the 2030 to 2031 financial year. The fund is intended to operate as a multi year programme, giving fishing and seafood businesses a longer term source of grant support rather than a one off pot of money.
How Much You Can Claim is Dependant On Your Boat
The rate of support depends on the type of vessel and the type of engine being installed. Operators in the Small Scale Coastal Fleet can claim a 65% contribution towards a new petrol or diesel engine, while all other vessels can claim 50%. Anyone installing an electric or hybrid engine can claim a 90% contribution, regardless of the size of their vessel or business.
Grant Rates for Engine and Gearbox Upgrades
- Small Scale Coastal Fleet vessels can claim a 65% grant contribution towards a new petrol or diesel engine.
- All other vessels can claim a 50% grant contribution towards a new petrol or diesel engine.
- Any vessel installing an electric or hybrid engine can claim a 90% grant contribution, regardless of size or business scale.
- These rates match the levels previously offered through the UK Seafood Fund for engine grants.
The MMO says the rates are aligned with the support previously available through the UK Seafood Fund, but are more generous for smaller operators, reflecting what it describes as the government's continued commitment to supporting the Small Scale Coastal Fleet.
Why Ministers Are Targeting Fishing Boat Engines
The government says the funding is intended to help vessels become more efficient while reducing the emissions produced by older engines. By encouraging operators to move to lower carbon technology where it is appropriate and viable for their business, ministers hope to improve efficiency across the fleet and support the long term growth and sustainability of the seafood sector.
Paul Errington, acting director of finance at the MMO, said the expanded scheme was "a great opportunity for operators of all sizes to invest in their vessels," and encouraged anyone considering an engine upgrade to look at what support is available, whether they are choosing "a new diesel engine or making the switch to electric or hybrid."
How to Apply, and Why the £250,000 Threshold Matters
Engine and gearbox grants sit alongside a wider range of projects FaSS can already fund, including improvements to shore based facilities, cooperative and advisory projects, health and safety upgrades, marine conservation work, and diversification into new sources of income. Applicants can be individual fishing businesses, aquaculture and processing operators, public bodies such as local authority ports, universities and research institutes, or new entrants to the industry.
This year, the scheme's competitive funding rounds are prioritising labour and workforce development, community partnerships and infrastructure projects. Grants worth £250,000 or more must go before a dedicated funding round panel, while smaller applications are assessed as they come in.
Applications Under £250,000
- Assessed on a first come, first served basis as they arrive.
- Do not need to go before the scheme's funding round panel.
- Have already accounted for more than £5 million of approved investment since FaSS reopened in April 2026.
- Can still draw on MMO support aimed at first time applicants.
Applications of £250,000 or More
- Must be considered by the FaSS funding round panel before approval.
- Are reviewed against 2026's priorities of labour and workforce development, community partnerships, and infrastructure.
- Have a new additional 2026 panel deadline of Friday 13 November for high value applicants.
- Will see further panel dates for 2027 announced in due course.
Applicants can apply for FaSS online, and the MMO says it continues to offer support to people applying for the scheme for the first time.
What This Means for England's Fishing Fleet
For an industry that has faced years of pressure over fuel costs and ageing equipment, the expanded grant offer gives operators a clearer route to modernise without shouldering the full cost themselves. Since FaSS reopened for applications in April 2026, the MMO says it has already approved more than £5 million of investment in fishing and seafood projects.
Whether take up matches the interest seen so far will depend on how many operators come forward specifically for the new engine and gearbox grants, and how quickly the MMO can process applications through its standard and competitive funding routes.
Anyone unsure whether their project qualifies is being encouraged to contact the MMO's Grants Team directly, or to submit an expression of interest before making a full application.
Key Takeaways
- Fishing vessel operators in England can now claim grant funding of up to 90% towards new engines and gearboxes.
- The Small Scale Coastal Fleet receives a higher rate, 65%, than other vessels' 50% contribution for conventional engines.
- The scheme is delivered by the Marine Management Organisation on behalf of Defra, funded by the £304 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.
- Applications of £250,000 or more must go through a funding round panel, with a new 2026 deadline set for 13 November.
- More than £5 million of investment has been approved for projects since the scheme reopened for applications in April 2026.