Dutch to test green H₂-fuelled inland shipping

Using hydrogen as a marine fuel could make a substantial difference in lowering the emissions of the sizeable inland shipping sector

Barges running on green hydrogen could soon be a reality in the Netherlands after the launch of a consortium that will test sailing inland waterway vessels on green hydrogen in the Zuiderzeehaven area, northeast of Amsterdam. Globally, the prospect of using hydrogen as a marine fuel is a highly attractive option to lower carbon emissions in the sector, if cost and infrastructure concerns can be overcome. Making a switch to green hydrogen for marine use could make a huge difference in the Netherlands’ fight against climate change, as around 45pc of all Dutch freight transport takes place on water. The northwest European country aims to reduce carbon emissions by 95pc below 1990 levels by 2050