German inland shipping funds cut
Germany’s 2025 federal budget will see further cuts to the inland shipping fleet modernisation programme.
After the draught had already reduced funding from EUR 50 to 40 million, the budget committee lowered the amount by another EUR 6 million for this year. The available budget, scheduled to fall again to EUR 29 million in 2026, will no longer cover larger projects such as stern renewals, according to the BDB, the federal association of German inland shipping. According to budget documents, funds were redirected to other maritime purposes, including a foundation to preserve Germany’s maritime heritage.
The federal association of German inland shipping criticised the decision, pointing out that "the programme is urgently needed to support medium-sized inland shipping firms in modernising fleets and adopting cleaner propulsion systems," said BDB managing director Jens Schwanen. (js)