With a portion of the Dutch fleet tied up an inactive, or operating at a loss, due to high fuel costs resulting from the turmoil in the Middle East, the Dutch government has announced support measures for the industry.
State Secretary Silvio Erkens of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) is launching two targeted energy measures. This initiative aims to provide the fisheries and shellfish sectors with support through this financially difficult period and to stimulate sustainability in the longer term.
A first direct step is the introduction of a temporary support measure to alleviate the acute hardship. A total of €13.5 million has been allocated for this scheme. This budget is financed 70% from the European crisis mechanism of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and 30% by the Dutch state.
As European funds are being used, strict conditions apply. Support may only be used to cover actual increased costs and lost revenue. Compensating for loss of income due to idle vessels is explicitly excluded by European regulations. Therefore, no standard amount will be paid out per company, and specific calculations will be made for each vessel.
The Dutch Fishermen’s Association team has held constructive consultations with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVVN) regarding the practical implementation of this scheme.
The aim is to compensate for the difference in fuel prices between 2025 and 2026 based on the number of liters consumed per bunkering during the duration of the measure. To ensure that the funds reach the fishermen most severely affected, a minimum number of fishing or sailing days will be established as a condition for participation. Inland and pelagic fisheries fall outside this scheme.
The aim is to launch this support initiative in June. The scheme will take effect retroactively from the start of the conflict in the Middle East on 28th February.
‘The Dutch Fishermen’s Association has urged the Ministry to keep the scheme open until at least 1st October 2026. This gives vessels that have been idle for a period of time the opportunity to still claim the maximum compensation by means of sufficient fishing time,’ a representative of Nederlandse Vissersbond said.
In addition to direct bridging support, Silvio Erkens plans to open a renewed energy efficiency scheme at the end of September. This is a similar scheme to the one in 2023 and focuses on structural fuel savings and sustainability.
A budget of €25 million has been reserved for the shrimp and flatfish fishery for this year. The shellfish fishery can expect a total budget of €10 million, spread over three years. In close consultation with the sector, the decision was deliberately made to split this budget into three separate calls – with €2 million in 2026, €3.3 million in 2027, and €4.7 million in 2028. The first tranche of €2 million for the shellfish fishery will be opened this autumn simultaneously with the budget for the shrimp and flatfish fishery.
