The Netherlands – Future Proof Shipping (FPS), a Dutch shipping company, unveiled H2 Barge 1, the world’s first hydrogen-powered zero-emissions inland container ship.
The launch event took place in Rotterdam and was attended by various industry representatives, including Minister of Infrastructure & Water Management Mark Harbers.
H2 Barge 1, a 110m x 11.45m vessel, is chartered by BCTN on behalf of Nike EMEA. It will operate between Rotterdam and BCTN’s inland terminal in Meerhout, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2000 tonnes of CO2e per year. This innovative shipping solution is part of Nike’s commitment to achieving a zero-carbon and zero-waste future.
The launch ceremony marked a collective achievement, symbolized by the presentation of the A-Zero (A0) emission label to FPS Founder, Huib van de Grijspaarde. The A-Zero label is awarded exclusively to zero-emission vessels. Minister Harbers praised H2 Barge 1 as a pioneering vessel and expressed hope that more shipowners would follow suit in adopting emission-free transportation.
Event
The event was attended by representatives from FPS, Air Liquide, BCTN Network of Inland Terminals, Holland Shipyards Group, Koedood Marine Group, Kooiman Marine Group, Nedstack Fuel Cell Technology, Rabobank, and Nike. Richard Klatten, CEO of Future Proof Shipping, expressed gratitude to the dedicated FPS team and partners for their contribution to the project, emphasizing the significance of the achievement for the future of shipping.
Funding
The FPS Maas/H2 Barge 1 retrofit project received grant funding from the Interreg North Sea Region Programme (Zero Emission Ports North Sea – ZEM Ports NS), the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Port of Rotterdam, and the Expertise- en InnovatieCentrum Binnenvaart.
The introduction of H2 Barge 1 represents a major milestone in the shipping industry’s efforts to decarbonize and transition to sustainable solutions.
