In a major milestone for sustainable shipping, hydrogen-powered vessels have begun operations in the North Sea region, offering a glimpse into a future of truly zero-emission maritime transport.

At the inland terminal of Alblasserdam, near Rotterdam, the crew of H2 Barge 2 is engaged in an unconventional refuelling operation: loading containers filled with green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy. Unlike traditional diesel-powered ships, this vessel emits no CO2.

“Our barges can sail approximately 100 trips per year for a round trip of 500 kilometres. This ensures a saving of 2,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ per year”, explains Sara Ravazza, managing director of Future Proof Shipping.

The company began in 2017 as a consultancy helping clients decarbonise their shipping operations. Determined to demonstrate that absolute zero emissions were possible, they eventually acquired and retrofitted an old diesel-powered vessel with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system. H2 Barge 1 was launched in 2023, followed by H2 Barge 2 a year later.

“Our vessels have been fitted with an electric motor and fuel cells”, explains Tony Virvilis, a naval architect at Future Proof Shipping, “fuel cells are devices that convert hydrogen to electricity and water. This electricity is being used by the vessel for its propulsion.”