The Port of Rotterdam, in collaboration with the Province of Zuid Holland and over 40 industry partners, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative for emission-free inland and near-shore shipping on hydrogen - the Condor H2 project. As part of the project, the partners will offer a pay-per-use model that provides fuel-cells with a battery pack and hydrogen storage, allowing ships to operate emission-free with limited up-front investments for ship owners. With the goal of achieving a CO2 reduction of 100,000 tons per year, the project aims to facilitate the sailing of 50 emission-free vessels by 2030.
To achieve this goal, the project includes six ports and more than 40 partners across the entire value chain, including hydrogen suppliers, distributors, technology providers, and shipowners. Some of the project partners include Air Products, Ballard, bp, DFDS, ENGIE, Linde, Shell, and Zepp Solutions. The project is part of the RH2INE network, a collaboration between ports, regional governments, and market parties along the Rhine corridor, spanning from Belgium and the Netherlands up to Switzerland.
Nico van Dooren, Director New Business of the Port of Rotterdam, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, "Hydrogen is already being tested in shipping, but the time has come to take action towards large-scale implementation. By offering a modular, scalable, and affordable solution, Condor H2 will make it technically and economically feasible to switch to zero-emission shipping on the key shipping routes in north-west Europe."
In addition to the Condor H2 project, the Port of Rotterdam has signed an agreement to join forces with 14 universities, innovation hubs, and other ports to accelerate hydrogen innovation. Partners from Australia, Brazil, Chile, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands aim to share research, new technologies, and scale new business models in hydrogen. This collaboration is expected to accelerate international cooperation, unlocking the full potential of this global network.
The Condor H2 project and the Port of Rotterdam's hydrogen innovation collaboration are not only groundbreaking but also crucial in reducing carbon emissions in the maritime industry. With the world shifting towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices, this initiative is a step towards a greener future, paving the way for the wider adoption of hydrogen technology in shipping.
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