EMFF Grants for Connectivity on Fishing Vessels: What You Can Fund in 2025

Installing Starlink Maritime on a fishing vessel has a cost. For most vessel owners, that cost pays back within two or three trips. But there is a third option that few explore: funding part or all of the installation through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2021-2027. This article explains which measures apply, who manages the grants in practice, and how to start the application process.

What the EMFF 2021-2027 Is

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF — commonly referred to as EMFF) is the EU’s financial instrument for the fishing sector covering 2021-2027. Its legal basis is EU Regulation 2021/1139. The fund explicitly targets the technological modernisation of fishing fleets as a lever for competitiveness, sustainability and on-board safety. Satellite broadband connectivity fits squarely within this framework.

Each EU member state manages its own share of the fund. In Spain, the total allocation is approximately €1.14 billion, split between central government and coastal autonomous communities.

Which Measures Cover Connectivity

There is no grant line labelled “Starlink subsidy.” Connectivity system funding falls under broader modernisation and digitalisation measures. The most relevant are:

Article 27 — Modernisation of Fishing Vessels

This article of the EMFAF Regulation allows funding for on-board improvements oriented toward:

Energy efficiency
On-board safety
Digitalisation and control systems
Improved crew working conditions and habitability

A high-speed satellite connectivity system can be justified under several of these headings: improved safety communications, electronic logbook support (ERS), vessel monitoring system reliability (VMS), and crew welfare.

Technology Innovation on Board

Some calls include specific lines for the adoption of innovative technologies in the fishing sector. Broadband satellite connectivity at sea qualifies as frontier technology in the European fishing context, particularly for offshore fleets operating far from the coast.

What Costs Are Typically Eligible

Eligibility depends on each specific call, but as a general rule:

Expense	Typical Eligibility
Hardware (Starlink Flat High Performance antenna)	Yes, as capital equipment
Certified installation labour	Yes, as installation cost
Cabling and mounting materials	Yes, as installation ancillary
Monthly subscription (first year)	Variable — often excluded
VMS/ERS integration work	Yes, if documented as functional improvement

The subscription fee as a recurring cost is the most variable element across calls. Hardware and installation consistently have better eligibility than service contracts.

Who Manages the Grants

Management of EMFF funds varies by country. In Spain:

FEGA (Spanish Agricultural Guarantee Fund): the national paying agency. Coordinates with the General Secretariat of Fisheries on national-level calls.
Coastal autonomous communities: Galicia, Andalusia, the Basque Country, Catalonia, Murcia, the Canary Islands, Asturias, Cantabria and Valencia each manage their own EMFF calls with their own criteria and deadlines.

In other EU member states, the managing authority is typically the national fisheries ministry or a designated agency. Contact your national fisheries authority for the applicable structure.

The Role of Fishing Co-operatives

The standard access route for individual vessel owners is through fishing co-operatives (cofradías in Spain) or producer organisations. These bodies:

Aggregate individual applications to increase the application’s weight
Have direct access to call information from their regional authority
Support the preparation of technical and economic documentation
In some cases act as intermediate beneficiaries on behalf of their members

If your vessel belongs to a co-operative, the first step is to ask their technical office whether there are open or upcoming EMFF modernisation calls.

Typical Vessel Eligibility Requirements

Active registration in the national fishing fleet census
Vessel length generally above 12 metres for offshore fleet calls (varies by region)
Vessel not in decommissioning or permanent immobilisation process
Owner up to date with tax obligations and social security contributions

Co-financing Percentages

EMFF grants work through co-financing between the EU, the member state or region, and the beneficiary. Indicative percentages:

Measure Type	Maximum Indicative Co-financing
Vessel modernisation (Art. 27)	50–60% of eligible cost
Fishery-dependent communities	Up to 75% in specific cases
Technology innovation	50–70% depending on the call

In practice, 50% is the most common rate. This means, at best, the vessel owner can receive funding for up to three-quarters of the installation cost.

Recommended Steps

Contact your co-operative or producer organisation to check for open or upcoming calls.
Request a detailed technical quote for the installation (hardware + labour + integration) — this is required for the application.
Verify your vessel meets the registration requirements and your administrative standing is clean.
Submit within the deadline — EMFF calls typically have 30 to 60-day application windows.
Keep all installation documentation to justify the expenditure to the paying authority.

Pescasat issues the technical documentation needed to support an EMFF grant application: equipment description, manufacturer certifications and declaration of conformity.

Can Starlink be funded through the EMFF even though it's a US company's product?

Yes. The EMFF funds vessel modernisation regardless of the manufacturer's country of origin. What matters is the functional improvement on board, not the supplier's nationality. Starlink Maritime is certified for commercial vessel use and has the technical documentation required for grant applications.

Do I need to install first and then claim reimbursement, or can I apply in advance?

It depends on the call. Some operate as advance grants (awarded before the expenditure is made), others as reimbursement after the fact. Advance grant calls are less common. It is essential to know the call type before installing, to avoid compromising eligibility.

Does the grant cover the monthly Starlink subscription?

Generally no. Recurring service costs are typically excluded from EMFF calls oriented toward capital investment. Some specific digitalisation calls may cover the first year of service, but this is not standard. Always check the specific call's terms.

What if I install and the grant is rejected?

Rejection does not reverse the installation — the equipment remains yours and operational. The grant is an additional incentive, not a prerequisite. The ROI case for Starlink on a professional fishing vessel is positive without any subsidy; the grant simply accelerates the return.

Can EMFF be combined with other digitalisation grants?

The same expenditure cannot be financed by two separate public sources (non-duplication principle). However, EMFF can be combined with tax deductions for investment in technology assets. Consult your tax adviser.

Next Step

If you are evaluating Starlink Maritime for your fleet, we can provide the technical documentation required to support an EMFF grant application: equipment description, manufacturer certifications, and a detailed installation quote. Get in touch before the next call opens in your region.

Request grant information and a quote

Disclaimer: this article is for informational purposes. Eligibility conditions, co-financing percentages and deadlines vary by call and managing authority. Always verify the applicable call’s terms with your co-operative or competent authority.