At the internal terminal of Alblasserdam, not far from Rotterdam, the H2 Barge 2 crew is engaged in a non -contamination operation: it loads containers full of green hydrogen created using renewable energy. Unlike traditional diesel ships, this ship does not broadcast CO2.
“Our barges can make about 100 trips a year for a trip of 500 km. This ensures the savings of 2000 metric tones Co₂ per year, ”explains Sarah Ravatsza, managing director of future shipping.
The company began in 2017 as a consulting company that helped customers get rid of carbon emissions in their marines. I decided to prove that absolute zero emissions were possible, ultimately acquired and modernized the old diesel ship using hydrogen and electrical power. The 1 H2 barge was chopped in 2023, after which the H2 Barge 2 in a year. “Our boats are equipped with electrode and fuel elements,” explains Tony Virvlis, shipwrecking with future reliable delivery, “fuel elements are devices that convert hydrogen into electricity and water. This electricity is used by a boat for its offer. ”
For Captain Dragos Lupo, who went to sea for 18 years, the transition to hydrogen was transforming.
“Everything is quiet, and there are no vibrations, only silence. The boat emits only water vapor. This is important for our health and the health of subsequent generations. ” Dragoş lupu, captain H2 barge 2.
The shipping sector needs more incentives to accelerate its exclusion from carbon.
Despite this success, escalation remains a problem. Hydrogen is still road, and there are few incentives to make green shipping economically competitive.
“It is very important for customers to understand that there is a completely green solution, and it is reliable, but they should also be ready to pay it.” Sarah Ravatsza, managing director of Future Proof Shipping.
It also emphasizes the need for more strong political support to encourage removal from fossil fuel vessels.
The update of the two ships was partially possible thanks to the initiative of the European Union on Portes of the Zero -Left -level in the North Sea (Zem Ports), which is aimed at accelerating the liberation of the sea sector from carbon emissions. Future Proof Shipping is a partnership in 3.6 million euros, which, financed by the EU cohesion policy as part of the Internet North Sea program and four additional partners.
Future evidence of delivery received about 10% of the cost of updating through ZEM ports. According to Ravazse, initiative support sent the industry a clear message that the European Union believes in hydrogen.