Port of Rotterdam introduces first hydrogen-powered inland boxship

The Port of Rotterdam has inaugurated the H2 Barge 1, the first zero-emission hydrogen-powered inland containership.

Developed by Future Proof Shipping (FPS), the 110-metre vessel will undertake regular trips between the Port of Rotterdam and BCTN’s inland terminal in Meerhout, Belgium, to serve Nike.

This venture is estimated to yield annual greenhouse gas emission reductions of 2,000 tonnes of CO2, marking a significant contribution to combating climate change.

The inauguration ceremony was attended on 25 May by the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Mark Harbers, who honoured FPS founder Huib van de Grijspaarde with a special A-Zero (A0) emissions label.

FPS envisions constructing and operating a fleet of over 10 zero-emission inland and shortsea vessels within the next five years, solidifying its commitment to sustainability in the maritime industry.

Future Proof Shipping collaborates closely with Condor H2, a noteworthy initiative aimed at developing emission-free hydrogen-powered inland and coastal shipping.

With over 40 partners involved, including the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Condor H2 was launched at the recent World Hydrogen Summit.

This ambitious project strives to enable the operation of 50 emission-free vessels by 2030, effectively curbing a total annual CO2 output by 100,000 tonnes.

Most recently, some 27 parties operating in the Ports of Rotterdam and Pecém signed an agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation and knowledge and promote public and private initiatives between the countries.

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