Funding for Investments in Combined Transport (CT) Transshipment Facilities

Open

Who is funded: Target Groups and Requirements

The funding program targets privately owned companies that want to invest in combined transport (CT) transshipment facilities. The aim is to shift freight transport from road to more environmentally friendly modes of transport such as rail and waterways, to support national and European environmental and climate goals. The funding is available nationwide in Germany and is tied to specific economic, legal, and technical conditions to ensure economic benefits and non-discriminatory access.

What is funded: Measures and Investments

The program supports investments in the new construction, expansion, and replacement of combined transport transshipment facilities that enable the transport of goods between rail, waterways, and road. This includes infrastructure measures, digitalization and automation projects, as well as specific expenditures for land, buildings, and transshipment equipment. Costs deductible as input tax are excluded.

Type and Scope of Funding

Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant within the framework of project funding with co-financing. Up to 80 percent of the eligible costs can be funded, whereby cumulation with other funding may not exceed the maximum funding rate of 80 percent. The grant is limited to a maximum amount upon approval.

Conditions and Requirements

Specific conditions apply to funding regarding economic efficiency, non-discriminatory access, and competitive impact. Applicants must submit the measure before the start of approval and demonstrate full financing. Furthermore, collateral and regular reporting during operation are required to ensure compliance with funding guidelines.

Application Process and Selection Procedure

The application process includes written submission to the responsible approving authorities (Federal Railway Authority or Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping) and is divided into a site clarification and a subsequent funding application. The authorities comprehensively review the applications and decide at their discretion, with a commitment to prompt processing and support for applicants.

Legal Basis

The funding program is based on the 'Guideline for the Funding of Investments in Combined Transport Transshipment Facilities' from November 23, 2022. The legal basis also includes provisions from the Federal Budget Code and general administrative regulations. Compliance with state aid law is ensured by Article 93 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.