A Dutch inland vessel is going to be converted later this
year to operate on a zero-emissions hydrogen propulsion system. The project is
viewed as a prototype for the development of a fleet of inland and shortsea
vessels that will operate in the region and be available for charter.
The 360-foot inland vessel, Maas, is part of a project being
undertaken by Future Proof Shipping, a Dutch company focused on the conversion
to green energy. The Holland Shipyards Group’s yard in Hardinxveld will
undertake the conversion starting in the third quarter of 2021 with the vessel
expected to be back in service in December. Once back in service, the Maas will
operate transporting shipping containers between Rotterdam and Antwerp and is
expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2000 CO2e tons annually.
“FPS is excited to be working together with HSG on the
retrofitting of the Maas to run entirely on hydrogen. This future-proof ship
will truly be a zero-emissions vessel, a vessel to forge the way for a greener
and more sustainable inland shipping industry,” said Richard Klatten, CEO of
Future Proof Shipping.
Future Proof Shipping goal is to build and operate a fleet
of 10 zero-emission inland and short-sea vessels which they will offer for
charter. The company is also working to assist other shipowners and operators
to make the transition to zero-emissions by supporting them on technical,
financial, and commercial aspects as well as project development and
management.
The retrofitting will include replacing the internal
combustion technology with hydrogen technology, removing both the main engine
and gearbox and installing a new modular propulsion system. This will consist
of electric motors, hydrogen tanks, a PEM fuel cell system used to convert
hydrogen into electricity, and a battery system.
The hydrogen and fuel cell system will be installed in the
cargo space of the vessel, with the hydrogen being placed above the fuel cell
system in two 40ft containers (approximately 1000kg at 300 bar). The fuel cell
system will be triple redundant with 825 kW capacity (to supply propulsion and
auxiliary power) and a 504 kWh lithium-ion battery pack for peak shaving,
secondary and bridging power. The system will contain a 750V DC bus bar and an
e-motor for propulsion.
The compressed hydrogen tanks, the fuel cells, and the
battery system will be separate units that can be removed for maintenance or
replacement purposes.
This project is supported with funding from the Dutch RVO
(Subsidie Duurzaam Scheepvaart scheme), Interreg North Sea Program (via the ZEM
Ports NS project), and a stimulation scheme for sustainable inland shipping
from the Port of Rotterdam, which is executed by the Expertise en
InnovatieCentrum Binnenvaart