The Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) has launched a new initiative aimed at making the recreational boating sector more sustainable. Put simply, it’s all about encouraging boat owners to swap out their traditional fossil fuel-powered engines for eco-friendly electric ones. With the added bonus of potentially replacing or installing battery packs, this incentive is geared towards moving toward a cleaner, greener future.
When and how to apply
For those eager to get on board, applications for the incentives open at midday on April 8, 2025 and close at midday on May 8, 2025. Submissions can be made via the official online platform managed by Invitalia, which is the entity overseeing the program on behalf of MIMIT.
This one-month window is a great opportunity for private individuals and companies to plan the transition to electric engines with the government’s support.
The goal
The plan stems from a decree signed on September 5, 2024, by Minister Adolfo Urso in collaboration with the Ministers of Environment and Energy Security, Infrastructure and Transport, and Economy and Finance. At its core, this initiative promotes adopting electric propulsion systems for recreational boating while facilitating the disposal of old internal combustion engines. You could even get assistance with purchasing battery packs for these boats.
A total of €3 million has been allocated to fund this program, making it a significant measure to promote sustainability.
This incentive is open to individual boat owners as well as companies operating in the recreational boating sector. However, there are some limits on what you can request: individuals can apply for subsidies on up to two electric motors and companies, particularly those using boats for commercial, sports, or social purposes, can apply for multiple motors.
The support
The subsidies are designed to cover up to 50% of eligible costs, with the actual amount depending on your situation. For individuals, the maximum benefit is €8,000, offering significant support for those looking to switch to greener boating. Businesses, on the other hand, can receive even more, with funding reaching up to €50,000. The type of motor plays a role in determining how much to get: for outboard motors with built-in batteries, ranging from 0.5 kW to 12 kW, the subsidy offers €2,000 per unit, but is €10,000 for outboard motors with external batteries, inboard, sterndrive or POD propulsion systems.
