Vessel operator Future Proof Shipping (FPS) has partnered with terminal operator BCTN Container Terminals and the Holland Shipyards Group to convert its first inland vessel to carbon free hydrogen power.
[s2If is_user_logged_in()]The Maas is a 110m vessel with an 11.45m beam and will have its diesel engine replaced with a zero emissions system that includes 825kW fuel cells battery storage of 504kWh, an electric motor and hydrogen fuel storage system. The conversion should be completed this year, according to FPS.
The project is supported by funding from the Interreg North Sea Region Programme, the Port of Rotterdam and Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland.
The company said, “The vessel will operate between the Netherlands and Belgium, and is expected to reduce emissions by approximately 2000 tonnes of CO2e annually, through the use of green hydrogen instead of MGO.”
Following the development of the Maas project, FPS aims to build a series of 10 zero emission vessels for inland and coastal operations, based on long-term charters contracts with industry partners.
“We will do this by retrofitting existing diesel-propelled ships in partnership with their current owners who are looking to adopt a zero-emission business model. In co-operation with financial investors, we can cover the investments required for the retrofit. The co-operation between shipowner, FPS and investors will be structured according to the needs of each individual case,” claimed the company.
In addition the company said its long-term aim is to provide ocean going, zero-emissions vessels for charter.
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