13.07.2021.
As one of activities for promoting cleaner transport, last year the Fund published the call for co-financing electric and hydrogen-powered boats. The construction or purchase of passenger, cargo and line boats was financed with up to 40%, or up to a maximum of HRK 10 million. The goal of the programme was to reduce the use of fossil fuels and emissions of harmful gasses in shipping.Five projects were approved to the companies which requested co-financing for the construction of electric passenger boats. The total value of the project is HRK 33.5 million with the Fund having granted HRK 13.4 million, while grant agreements were signed yesterday on the premises of the Fund. Future cooperation with the beneficiaries was also agreed, including the implementation dynamics and documenting the projects. After the signing, the beneficiaries will have a period of 2 years to have the boats constructed, and they will have to keep them in ownership for at least three years.
The use of modern technologies and alternative fuels will contribute not only to decarbonisation of shipping but also to improving the environment and tourist offer on our coast. Moreover, the electrification of short line services can also affect the development of use of renewable energy sources at local level. So, the plan is to continue promoting these types of projects in the upcoming period in line with the current Croatian energy and climate policy.
