Guide For Marine Vessel and Infrastructure Grants (Federal, State and Local)

September 26, 2025 Charged Marine Staff

There are several grant programs in the United States that support the purchase, conversion, and infrastructure for commercial electric boats and vessels in 2025. These cover federal, state, and tribal opportunities targeting different vessel types, operators, and use cases.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Federal Grants and Programs

Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program (FTA, IIJA § 71102):
Provides competitive funding for purchasing electric or low-emitting ferries and related charging infrastructure nationwide. Eligible applicants include public operators in both urban and rural areas. The program covers up to 85% of vessel cost, with 2024 awards totaling $49 million for low-or-no-emission ferries and supporting projects in 14 states.[6][1]
Passenger Ferry Grant Program & Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program (FTA):
These federal programs also support ferry electrification, with $56.3 million and $194 million respectively awarded in 2024 for infrastructure and vessel upgrades, including electric options.[6]
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED):
Provides funding opportunities for marine electrification demonstration projects, including hydropower and water power technology grants that may apply to commercial vessel conversion.[7]

State and Regional Programs

California Air Resources Board (CARB) and SCAQMD Incentives:
Projects such as the Balboa Island Ferry conversion have received nearly $10 million in grant funds for electrification efforts. CARB and AQMD offer funding and cost-sharing for electric ferry upgrades, vessel replacements, and zero-emission infrastructure—granting priority for short-run ferries transitioning to zero-emission by December 2025 per state regulation.[4][5]
Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program (California):
Provides funding for marine repower or replacement to zero-emission/hybrid vessels for several categories including ferries, towboats, workboats, and research vessels. This program also supports vessel replacements when retrofit/repower is impractical.[4]
California CORE Voucher Program:
Offers per-unit incentives (up to $170,000) for purchase of approved electric powertrains, supporting commercial electric vessel adoption and infrastructure.[9][8]
Washington State Tribal Electric Boats Program:
In 2025, grants totaling $4.75 million support tribes for electrifying marine vessels—eligible for engine conversions, new vessels, charging equipment, and related infrastructure, with funding windows open until October 23, 2025. Awards can reach $1.187 million per applicant.[2][3][10][11]

Other Opportunities

Harbor Craft Grant Programs (Port of Los Angeles):
Large emission-reduction grants (up to $31 million historically) for demonstration and conversion of harbor craft—including electric propulsion—are available for specialized vessel operators.[12]
California Boating Infrastructure Grants:
While focused primarily on recreational boats, select infrastructure grants may be available for supporting electric boat charging stations serving larger commercial or mixed-use vessels.[13]

Key Takeaways

Most funding focuses on electrification, hybridization, and infrastructure for ferries, workboats, research vessels, and tribal/public sector-operating fleets.[5][1][2][4][6]
Programs vary in eligibility from federally operated public transit to state-specific, tribal, and demonstration projects. Private entities may be eligible for certain vehicle/vessel voucher programs like California CORE.[8][9]
Application periods and requirements vary greatly; most current windows are open for proposals through late 2025.[3][10][11][2]

For current details, eligibility, and deadlines, it is recommended to consult each administering agency or program website directly.[11][2][3][5][9][8][4][6]