Ministry Of Climate Change And Environment Opens 2019 Applications For Subsidized Marine Engines

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCA) announced that applications for subsidized Mercury 150hp marine engines at 50 percent of the full price are open from 9 June to 11 July 2019. Eligible fishermen can submit their applications at fishing boat registration centers across the UAE.

The Ministry has outlined a set of eligibility guidelines. Essential requirements stipulate that the Applicants should practice fishing as a permanent occupation, and their gross monthly salary should not exceed AED30,000 as per an attested salary certificate. In addition, the fisherman should not have received any marine engine support between 2016 and 2018 and should have enlisted in the Ministry's public register prior to 2016.

To guarantee that only law-abiding fishermen receive the subsidized engines, the guidelines also specify that applicants should not have committed any offsets during 2018 in terms of possessing or using prohibited fishing tools or equipment as per the relevant laws.

While considering the applications, MOCCA will prioritize fishermen who practice fishing as their main profession and fishermen who work on their own boats or have their first- to fourth-degree relatives working on their boats on their behalf.

His Excellency Sultan Alwan, Assistant Undersecretary of the Regions Sector at MOCCAE, said: "A nation's marine wealth is considered a key renewable natural resource and plays a valuable role in securing its food supply. -economic importance of the fishing profession to the country, to reduce fishermen's expenses, and to support the fishing industry in driving food safety and ensuring sustainable local production. "

He added: "The Ministry is committed to enhancing the UAE's environmental sustainability through initiatives, projects, and services that align with the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and transparency."

In a bid to enhance its customer services, MOCCAE allows fishermen to pay the amount of AED11,950 - half of the original price of the engine - within a month from the application approval. Regrettably, applicants who fail to make the payment within this period will be eliminated from the scheme.

MOCCAE has selected an environmentally friendly model of the subsidized marine engine. The 150hp four-stroke engine features a variety of advantages, such as reduced fuel consumption, as well as lower noise levels and gas emissions. Unlike with other engines, the combustion process takes place internally while maintaining functional efficiency.

The supplier will carry out a complimentary installation of the engines on the fishermen's boats without labor charges. This excludes the cost of extra parts, such as batteries and steering wheels.