Round 8: Demonstration of Marine

Round 8 investment focus

This funding round sought proposals to demonstrate a range of low emission technologies, infrastructure, innovations and business models in the marine transport space (limited to the specifications set out in Section 1.4).

This could include projects in the areas of marine vessels, electric outboard motors, charging infrastructure to service marine projects and associated technologies or services. Hydrogen fuel cell vessels and other technologies may be in scope if they make use of New Zealand’s renewable electricity advantage, and a reliable supply exists.

Up to $2.5 million was available in Round 8.

Round 8 objectives

This round's investment focus was on:

Vessels and technologies

Encourage innovation in approaches and technologies that can result in marine transport decarbonisation through for example electrification, hydrofoiling, and hybrid drives.

Operational emissions reduction activity

Improving emissions profile without large capital investment/vessel replacement through behaviour change and optimisation, e.g. advanced hull coatings, propeller optimisation.

Support services/sector development

Support the development of low emission marine technology maintenance, battery, repair and other support services.

Public charging infrastructure

Support the development of public charging infrastructure specific for marine projects (applicants may note the benefits of other types of vehicles being able to use the infrastructure).

In addition, EECA is open to receiving requests for feasibility studies.

Feasibility studies for future projects

Scoping studies e.g. for shore power for large vessels (connectivity and capital investments), scoping connectivity requirements for development of an eco-system of cross-sector users able to use common charging infrastructure at a port, marina, or other collaboration. If you are interested in undertaking a feasibility study, contact us at LETFund@eeca.govt.nz any time; these studies are not tied to a particular funding round and are available all year depending on funding availability.

Demonstrations may provide any of the following:

Additionality or innovation in the business case;
Significant replication potential;
Demonstration of technology in a new location or environment;
Representation of end-use in a different sub-sector;
Potential for low-emission transport transition in the short, medium or long term;
Significant opportunity for learnings by overcoming barriers in the organisation, sectoral barriers or regulatory barriers.

Key documents

This round closed on March 8; documents below are for reference only.

Request for Proposals [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Response form [PDF, 508 KB]

Proposed Funding Agreement [PDF, 257 KB]

Frequently Asked Questions [PDF, 310 KB]

Recipient's Guide [PDF, 487 KB]

Email LETFund@eeca.govt.nz with any questions.

FAQs

What's the application process?

There are generally up to two funding rounds per year for each investment focus area. Applicants have approximately four weeks to submit proposals after the funding round opens. Applications are assessed by a panel against the fund objectives and investment focus, the applicant’s ability to deliver, and the project's value for money.

The assessment panel makes recommendations to EECA to make a final decision. The application process takes around four months.

Recipients will be required to share knowledge, reporting and data with EECA as part of the Funding Agreement which will set out how, when and with whom it will be shared.

All projects must follow the investment principles and meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Request for Proposals.

How much can I apply for?

Who can apply?

This funding round is open to all New Zealand-based and New Zealand-registered legal entities except Public Service Departments, Non-Public Service Departments (such as the New Zealand Defence Force), and Statutory Crown Entities such as District Health Boards.

The following types of organisations are eligible to submit proposals:

State-owned Enterprises
Local Councils
Regional Councils.

Proposals must be for projects delivered in New Zealand, however overseas-based project partners may be involved.

When would I receive co-funding?

What is excluded?

The overall Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF) exclusions apply to this round, along with the exclusions included in the RFP document.

LETF exclusions

Opportunities for projects involving biofuels, off-and on-road vehicles, public road charging infrastructure and aviation are excluded from this funding round but may be eligible in future funding rounds. If you do have such a project in mind we would be interested to hear from you. 

Key dates

RFP released	9am Wednesday 8 February 2023
Deadline for questions	4pm Wednesday 1 March 2023
Deadline for proposals	12pm Wednesday 8 March 2023
Decision announced	From early May 2023

Get in touch

We're happy to discuss your project ideas and likely eligibility. For any enquiries, such as questions on the scope of the fund or help completing the Response Form, email LETFund@eeca.govt.nz.