Hydrogen-Powered Barge For Emission-Free Cargo Shipping In Rhine Launched Successfully

Future Proof Shipping (FPS), the Flagships project, and the Interreg-funded ZEM Ports NS project successfully launched the H2 Barge 2, a hydrogen-powered barge meant to transport cargo emissions-free over the Rhine between Rotterdam (NL) and Duisburg (DE). The launch ceremony was held at the Holland Shipyard Group’s Werkendam plant, just outside Rotterdam, where major stakeholders gathered to commemorate this significant accomplishment.

Richard Klatten, CEO of Future Proof Shipping, emphasised the significance of this achievement, adding that it shows that emissions-free cargo shipping is feasible and demonstrates its scalability. He highlighted how the ship will help establish new guidelines for environmentally friendly shipping within and outside ports.

The H2 Barge 2, formerly Fenny 1 and FPS Waal, was successfully retrofitted in 2023 at Holland Shipyard Group (HSG) in Werkendam. The vessel was outfitted with a whole new, 100% emission-free propulsion system after being devoid of all combustion engines and fossil fuel tanks. This system consists of an electric drive train below deck, battery packs, hydrogen storage, and PEM fuel cells with a 1.2 MW total power output from six fuel cells from Ballard Power Systems. The Clean Hydrogen Partnership’s executive director-in-waiting, Mirela Atanasiu, commended the project and highlighted its significance in helping the EU decarbonise freight transportation.

The H2 Barge 2 is scheduled to navigate the Rhine, a vital European commercial transportation route, with a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, estimated at 3,000 tonnes annually. The route between Rotterdam and Duisburg, which accounts for 80% of Rhine cargo flows, demonstrates its immediate influence on emissions reduction.

The CEO of Maritime CleanTech, Ada Jakobsen, emphasised the teamwork that went into the project and its importance in accelerating the shift to a greener marine industry. An important step forward has been achieved for the Flagships project with the successful launch of H2 Barge 2, with the second demonstrator vessel, Zulu 06, scheduled for deployment in Paris in 2024. The Flagships Project Coordinator and Senior Scientist at VTT, Jyrki Mikkola, expressed satisfaction with the progress and emphasised the project’s goal to achieve the highest zero-emission waterborne transport possible.

Holland Shipyards Group (HSG), the Port of Rotterdam, Ballard Power Systems, Expertise-en InnovatieCentrum Binnenvaart (EICB), WaterborneTP, Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs), NSHyMap, RH2INE, and Maritime CleanTech are a few of the project’s notable sponsors and contributors.

The Dutch Enterprise Agency, Interreg North Sea Region Programme and Flagships H2020 Project provided funding support that was essential to the success of this project.

FPS is at the forefront of zero-emission shipping assistance, with plans to build and manage a fleet of ten zero-emission inland and short-sea vessels over the coming years. The organisation is even more committed to sustainable shipping practices now that it has two hydrogen-powered, zero-emission inland cargo vessels in its operating fleet, owing to the installation of the H2 Barge 2. FPS also provides project development, management, and technical assistance to other shipowners and marine industry stakeholders who want to switch to zero-emission vehicles.

Reference: Future Proof Shipping

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