Photo by Michel Stockman 

Fishermen across England can now apply for grant support towards new engines and gearboxes under an expanded Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS), the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced. The scheme, funded from the £132m committed to the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund over the next five years, is intended to help vessels modernise, improve efficiency and cut emissions. 

Contribution rates vary by vessel type and technology: the Small Scale Coastal Fleet can claim 65 per cent towards new petrol or diesel engines, other vessels 50 per cent, and any vessel installing an electric or hybrid engine can claim 90 per cent regardless of size. The rates mirror those previously available through the UK Seafood Fund, with the higher contribution for smaller operators reflecting what the MMO describes as its continued commitment to supporting smaller operators. 

FaSS reopened on 13 April 2026 and has already attracted strong interest, with over £5m of investment approved for projects to date, according to the MMO, which reported in July that the scheme had passed the £1m mark within its first three months. This year’s funding priorities are labour and workforce development, community partnerships and infrastructure, and an additional panel deadline of 13 November 2026 has been added for applications worth £250,000 or more. 

The scheme sits within a much larger commitment: FaSS is funded from the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, which the British Ports Association notes is worth £304m over 12 years in total, of which the current £132m five-year tranche forms part. The Fishing Daily also covered the expansion, confirming the new rates apply from 15 September. 

Paul Errington, the MMO’s Acting Director of Finance, said the expanded scheme was “a great opportunity for operators of all sizes to invest in their vessels.” Applications below £250,000 are assessed on a first come, first served basis, and the MMO says it continues to offer dedicated support to first-time applicants.