Hydrogen-Powered Shipping Takes Off in Europe
On May 25, 2023, the H2 Barge 1, the world’s first hydrogen-powered inland container ship, embarked on its maiden voyage in the waters of Rotterdam, Netherlands. Retrofitted by Holland Shipyards Group, this innovative vessel now transports containers for Nike between the Port of Rotterdam, the Port of Antwerp, and a distribution center in Meerhout. As a zero-emission ship, it only releases humid air and water, marking a significant step toward cleaner maritime operations.
This initiative is part of a broader movement led by Future Proof Shipping (FPS) and various European projects aimed at promoting zero-emission transport solutions for inland waterways. The shipping industry, which accounts for approximately 3% of global CO₂ emissions, faces challenges in decarbonization, but hydrogen’s potential as a fuel source offers a promising alternative.
Hydrogen: A Game Changer for Maritime Transport
Hydrogen is recognized for its high energy content per unit of weight. When utilized in a fuel cell, it combines with oxygen to generate electricity, producing only water as a byproduct. This reaction positions hydrogen as a viable option for reducing carbon emissions in the shipping sector. However, the production and storage of hydrogen present challenges that need addressing.
Currently, hydrogen is produced through various methods, with electrolysis being the most sustainable. This process involves using electricity—preferably from renewable sources—to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in what is known as green hydrogen. As renewable energy costs decline, interest in green hydrogen is expected to rise. The International Energy Agency predicts that hydrogen could increase from less than 1% of energy used in shipping today to 19% by 2050.
Storage and transportation of hydrogen require specialized infrastructure due to its small molecules, which can easily leak. Despite these challenges, the launch of H2 Barge 1 has paved the way for further advancements in hydrogen-powered shipping. Following its debut, a second prototype, H2 Barge 2, successfully completed trials in March 2024 and is now operating emission-free along the Rhine route between Rotterdam and Duisburg.
Originally a diesel-powered containership, H2 Barge 2 underwent significant retrofitting, replacing its combustion engines with six Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell modules. This new system boasts a total capacity of 1.2 MW, along with hydrogen storage tanks and an electric drive train. Capable of carrying the equivalent of 190 twenty-foot shipping containers, H2 Barge 2 is projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 3,000 tonnes annually.
The Future of Hydrogen in Maritime Transport
Hydrogen-powered vessels are no longer limited to experimental projects. A recent initiative in Lithuania saw the launch of a 42-meter hydrogen fuel cell-powered tanker designed to collect ship waste at the Port of Klaipéda. This vessel, built with a budget of approximately €11.7 million, is set for delivery in late 2025 and will feature hydrogen fuel cells and electric propulsion for efficient operation in port waters.
Additionally, the MV Sea Change, a 70-foot hydrogen-powered catamaran, began offering free rides in San Francisco in July 2024. This pilot program aims to showcase the viability of hydrogen fuel-cell technology in maritime transport. The ferry operates on a hydrogen fuel-cell system, emitting only water vapor, and even provides passengers with remineralized water from its emissions.
While hydrogen-powered vessels are still in the early stages of development, advancements in technology are driving down costs. The increasing demand for green hydrogen could lead to economies of scale, making it more competitive with traditional fossil fuels. As more hydrogen-powered vessels enter the market, the dream of clean maritime transport is becoming a reality.
