Sustainable shipbuilding subsidy scheme (SDS)
Does your shipyard want to build a ship, or refit an existing ship, with innovative technologies to increase its sustainability? Do you want to use technological innovations to, for instance, reduce emissions or sound production? Then you may be eligible for the Sustainable Shipbuilding subsidy (Subsidie Duurzame Scheepsbouw, SDS).
Please note: fishing boats do not qualify for this subsidy.
When do you qualify for the SDS?
You qualify if:
- The ship you want to build or refit is an inland or sea-going vessel with a gross weight of more than 100 tons and with more than 365 kW power.
- You have not already signed a contract for the building or refitting of a ship when you apply for this subsidy. But you do have a letter of intent for the work.
Your project will be scored on 4 criteria:
- innovation
- sustainability
- economic gain
- quality
The higher the score, the better your chances are you will get the subsidy.
How to apply?
You can apply for the Sustainable Shipbuilding Subsidy Scheme (SDS) to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO, in Dutch) from 12 March 9:00 hours, until 18 June 2026, 17:00 hours. And from 30 June until 22 September 2026.