Brussels, 08/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has authorised a French regime of aid to navigation transport, which it felt was in line with European rules. With a budget between 14.5 and 15 million EUR a year, this new regime will be applicable during the period 2004-2007. It takes up the content of the former plan, which was applied in 2001-2003, together with new aid which will help keep abreast of current market conditions. It comes in two parts: the first aims to modernise the fleet and improve its capacity to carry specific goods, to fulfil the needs of shippers and industrials whilst improving its environmental quality (saving energy and reducing the emission of pollutants). The second part relates to the promotion and renewal of the profession of river transporter, by using aid for continued training and aid to young purchasers interested in French boats. In this way, when a goods boat is sold to a purchaser under the age of 35, a newcomer to the profession, or to an employee setting up his or her own company, aid of up to 43 EUR per DWT (deadweight tonnes) will be paid, as long as the sale price does not exceed 152 EUR per DWT. The aid will also be limited to 30% of the total price, and to 46,000 EUR.