Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the opening of the Fishing and Aquaculture Registered Vessel Fuel Support Scheme, with applications open from today until Friday, 12 June 2026.

The scheme will provide up to €15 million in support to owners of eligible fishing and aquaculture vessels, helping to offset the sharp increase in fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The scheme will cover the months of March up to the end of July, which are a critical time in the fisheries calendar.

Under the scheme, vessel owners over 6 metres can apply for support based on recorded fuel usage, while owners of vessels under 6 metres will receive a flat-rate payment without needing to submit fuel receipts.

The total payment for each applicant will be calculated once all claims have been submitted. However, it is anticipated that approximately 40 cents per litre of the estimated usage over a 5-month period will be the basis of the payment, while smaller vessels under 6 metres will receive a minimum flat-rate payment of €350.

Minister Canney said the support will be important for vessel owners at a particularly busy and costly time of year.

“Fuel is one of the biggest costs facing the fishing and aquaculture sectors, and the sudden rise in prices has placed real pressure on vessel owners and their families.

“This scheme is a practical support at a critical point in the fishing calendar. It recognises that these are working vessels supporting jobs, families and coastal communities, and that rising fuel costs have a direct impact on their ability to operate.

“I would encourage eligible vessel owners to engage with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) as early as possible and to make sure their applications are submitted before the closing date.”

The scheme is open to fishing vessels registered on the Irish Fleet Register and actively fishing between March and July 2025, as well as registered aquaculture vessels.

Applicants can contact BIM’s Grants Helpdesk at [email protected].