$500,000 to prove what saves fuel on Massachusetts fishing vessels
Fuel is one of the largest and least controllable expenses in commercial fishing. This program funds real-world pilot projects that cut fuel consumption aboard working Massachusetts fishing vessels, and measures the results so the whole fleet can see what actually works.
Who can apply
Anyone with a good idea and a path to a Massachusetts fishing vessel: vessel owners and operators, equipment manufacturers, technology developers, naval architects and marine engineers, shipyards and marine-trades businesses, research institutions, nonprofits — and teams combining any of the above.
Every funded project must be installed and demonstrated aboard a commercial fishing vessel owned by a Massachusetts resident or Massachusetts-chartered business. Projects installed at Massachusetts yards and facilities receive scoring preference.
What we fund
Propulsion efficiency
Engine upgrades or repowering, hybrid or electric propulsion, propeller and running-gear optimization, drivetrain improvements, propulsion controls.
Hull & gear modifications
Coatings, fairing, appendage optimization, lightweighting, or redesigned fishing gear that cuts towing or handling energy.
Operations & systems
Energy monitoring and decision-support, electrical-load and refrigeration efficiency, auxiliary-power and idle reduction, route and speed tools.
We're most interested in new technologies, novel applications of existing technologies, and proven approaches that haven't yet reached the Massachusetts fleet. Savings are counted in fuel — gallons per year, verified on the water — and metering equipment needed to verify savings is an eligible project cost.
Need to find a vessel for your demonstration project? Interested in hosting a project on your vessel? We'll help you team up.
Every full proposal must name a specific vessel — but you don't need one to get started. Our optional Pre-Proposal & Matchmaking Round (open July 10 – August 15, 2026) connects technology providers with Massachusetts vessel owners interested in hosting a demonstration.
Technology providers submit a short Concept Proposal describing the approach and the kind of vessel it suits. Vessel owners submit a short Vessel Profile describing the boat, the fishery, and the projects they'd consider. We make the introductions. Free, optional, and no effect on scoring — just the easiest way to build a complete team. Both forms are in the RFP appendices and linked below. Email completed forms to hello@energyefficient.fish.
Key dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| RFP issued; Pre-Proposal & Matchmaking Round opens | July 10, 2026 |
| Concept Proposals and Vessel Profiles accepted | July 10 – August 15, 2026 |
| Matchmaking introductions facilitated | Through September 1, 2026 |
| Written questions deadline | September 7, 2026 |
| Answers posted on this page | September 14, 2026 |
| Full proposals due (11:59 p.m. ET) | October 2, 2026 |
| Award decisions and notifications | By October 31, 2026 |
Questions & answers
Send questions in writing to hello@energyefficient.fish by September 7, 2026. To keep the process fair, we answer substantive questions in writing and post them here so every applicant has the same information.
About the program
The Energy Efficient Fisheries initiative is a project of Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Development Programs, Inc., funded through a federal congressional earmark administered by NOAA Sea Grant. The initiative operates on a simple premise: the commercial fishing industry should be the architect of its own energy future, driven by safe, cost-effective options that work in real fishing conditions.
Contact: Noah Oppenheim, Program Manager · hello@energyefficient.fish
This program is supported by federal funds. Awards are subject to applicable federal requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) terms that flow down from the prime award.