Traditional sailing ships: New funding guidelines come into force – the federal government releases 10 million euros

They are a defining feature of German port cities, take part in historic regattas and preserve the seafaring tradition for future generations: traditional ships are a living part of our maritime heritage. But maintaining them is expensive. Extensive restoration work, safety inspections and technical approval procedures present clubs and private owners with enormous financial challenges – and it is often volunteers who bear the burden. Following the Bundestag’s Budget Committee’s decision back in November 2025 to allocate 30 million euros to support traditional German vessels,, the Federal Ministry of Transport has now announced that the Entry into force of new funding guidelines for traditional shipping and the allocation of ten million euros for the years 2025 and 2026.

• The text of the new funding guidelines

New Directive

The Funding Guidelines for Traditional Shipping were published in the Federal Gazette on 16 July 2026 and came into force on the same day. Applications may be submitted from now until 31 December 2026. Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Transport, commented on the publication with a commitment to maritime heritage:

“Traditional vessels are floating testimonies to our maritime history and continue to shape the character of numerous port cities to this day. These vessels are worth preserving not only because of their historical construction, but also because they maintain traditional maritime practices. Through our funding programme, we ensure that these historic vessels and their traditional crews are preserved for future generations.”

At the same time, the programme focuses on improving safety: funding is provided exclusively for measures that are necessary for technical approval for operation in accordance with the Ship Safety Regulations.

​This is the programme’s response to an issue that has been a concern for the scene for years. This is because the stricter Safety requirements for traditional vessels have forced many operators to undertake costly technical retrofits. The new funding guidelines are intended to help overcome precisely this hurdle.

What is eligible for funding and what is not

The purpose of the funding is clearly defined: grants are available for conversion and maintenance work, as well as for services that directly contribute to the technical registration of a traditional vessel. The inspection report from the BG Transport with a detailed breakdown of the necessary measures. Both categories are eligible for funding: existing registered vessels that require maintenance, and vessels to be newly registered as traditional vessels.

However, general operating costs or measures not directly related to roadworthiness are not eligible for funding.

Subsidy rate subject to conditions

At first glance, the potential funding rate sounds generous: up to 90 per cent of eligible costs can be reimbursed. However, the funding scheme operates on a shortfall-financing basis – and that is a key difference from lump-sum grants.

In practical terms, this means that applicants must first use all their own available funds. Only the remaining, verified shortfall – the gap between the total costs and the applicant’s own funds – is covered by federal funding. The applicant’s own contribution may therefore be significantly higher than the nominal ten per cent, depending on their individual financial situation.

In addition, an EU state aid limit applies: under the so-called de minimis rule, an individual applicant may not receive more than 300,000 euros in funding from EU Member States within a period of three tax years. Funds are disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis – those who apply early secure the available funding.

Who is eligible to apply

Natural and legal persons who own a Traditional ships flying the German flag are – or of a vessel that is to be re-registered as a heritage vessel. Persons or organisations that merely operate a vessel without being its owners are expressly excluded. Only the owner may submit the application – even if they do not operate the vessel themselves.

An ambitious funding target

The funding programme has a specific quantitative target: the current fleet of registered traditional vessels flying the German flag is not only to be maintained, but also expanded to at least 86 vessels by 2029 through new registrations. This presupposes that vessels which have not yet been registered as traditional vessels will also successfully complete the complex registration process – and, for the first time, the support programme now offers a genuine financial incentive to do so.

​Announced at a political level, now being put into practice

It has been known for some time that the federal government intends to provide funding for traditional vessels. On yacht.de was discussed via the federal funding for traditional vessels, which was announced as early as 2025 has been reported. What is new is the specific details set out in the funding guidelines.

For many associations, foundations and owners, this very step is likely to be crucial. After all, the sector has been complaining for years about high costs, uncertain prospects and funding difficulties. A glance at the Problems faced by traditional vessels in terms of funding and recruiting new talent.

Whether the programme will bring about a noticeable easing of the situation will now depend on how many eligible projects actually make it through the shortfall funding process and whether the funds will be sufficient to cover the most urgent measures.

How to apply

The competent authority for the programme is the Federal Agency for Administrative Services (BAV) in Aurich. Applications may be submitted from now until 31 December 2026. All information, forms and the full funding guidelines are available on the BAV website. If you have any queries, please contact Department III.4:

Schloßplatz 9, 26603 Aurich

04941 / 602-678 (Mon–Thu: 9 am–3 pm, Fri: 9 am–1 pm)

Traditionsschiffe@bav.bund.de

You might also be interested in

• BAV: Traditional Shipping Funding Programme – Full details on the application process, funding levels, legal basis and FAQs
• BMV: Press Release No. 65/2026 – Official press release from the Federal Ministry of Transport
• Federal Gazette: Funding Guidelines for Traditional Shipping – Official publication of 16 July 2026 (BAnz AT 16.07.2026 B6)
• Ship Safety Regulations (SchSV) – The legal basis for the registration of traditional vessels in Germany
• yacht.de: Amendments to the Ship Safety Regulations – Background article on safety requirements for traditional vessels

​Does the new funding guideline really help traditional ships, or is it still too narrow in scope for many projects? Share your thoughts in the comments.