‘Investments Onboard Fishing Vessels’ A New Scheme Launched In Support Of Fishers
During a press conference, the scheme ‘Investments Onboard Fishing Vessels’ was officially launched. Co-financed by EU funds and carried out in collaboration with Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta (SEM), the initiative was announced by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said.
Through this scheme, fishers can benefit from financial aid to modernise and improve safety measures onboard their fishing vessels.
Minister Anton Refalo explained: “Through this initiative, the European Union continues to ensure that its citizens have access to quality and affordable seafood. To achieve this, the fishing industry must remain competitive so that fishers earn a fair income and enjoy a decent standard of living in line with the concept of the blue economy. We remain committed to launching schemes like this to support the sector.”
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said added: “Fishing doesn’t just contribute to our economy—it’s also a core part of our culture and maritime identity. This scheme gives fishers the chance to invest in new technologies and upgrade their infrastructure to operate more safely and efficiently.”
She encouraged all fishers to apply and highlighted the importance of such funding in keeping Malta’s fishing sector competitive and viable.
Rodrick Zerafa, CEO of Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta, described the agency as a key tool in helping fishers—just like farmers, businesses, voluntary organisations and local councils—receive free support to apply for EU project funding. “We’re assisting those interested in applying for EU funds by helping them shape their project ideas according to the criteria of various schemes and submit competitive applications.”
Engineer Anthony Camilleri, Director General for EU Funds, said: “This is the first call specifically targeted at fishers for investments onboard fishing vessels. Unlike previous funding programs, this call will remain open for a longer period, until September 2026. Additionally, applicants will now also be able to benefit from advisory services, supported by the Managing Authority in direct collaboration with SEM to assist fishers in filling out and submitting their project applications.”
As with other schemes, information meetings will be held by SEM to help fishers better understand the criteria for this funding call. These sessions will take place in the coming weeks in Marsaxlokk, St Paul’s Bay and Gozo.
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