Second hydrogen-powered inland container vessel launched

The retrofitted inland container vessel will operate on green hydrogen-powered fuel cells and transport cargo along the Rhine River between Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Duisburg in Germany.

PHOTO: Green hydrogen-powered inland container vessel H2 Barge 2. FPS

The vessel, H2 Barge 2, was launched at Holland Shipyard Group’s Werkendam facility.

It will run on green hydrogen sourced from French gas supplier Air Liquide, which is produced using the chlor-alkali process, a Future Proof Shipping spokesperson told ENGINE. 

Unlike traditional hydrogen production methods, such as steam methane reforming or electrolysis of water, the chlor-alkali process involves passing an electric current through a brine solution to generate hydrogen gas, chlorine and sodium hydroxide, or caustic soda. This process offers an alternative method to produce hydrogen while simultaneously creating valuable by-products like caustic soda.

The H2 Barge 2 has been developed through a partnership between Dutch maritime firm Future Proof Shipping (FPS) and ZEM Ports NS, an EU-led consortium dedicated to promoting the use of zero-emission fuels in ports across the North Sea Region.

The vessel, previously powered by fossil marine fuels, underwent a successful retrofit in 2023. It now features a 100% emission-free propulsion system, which includes six fuel cells, hydrogen storage, battery packs, and an electric drive train located below deck. With the addition of the fuel cells, the total installed power has been increased to 1.2 MW.

Last year, FPS launched the first hydrogen-powered vessel, H2 Barge 1, which is used by the sneaker giant Nike to transport its products in Europe. FPS and its partners are also working on another hydrogen-powered vessel set to operate in Paris this year.

By Manjula Nair  

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