After a long European tender process, the H2SHIPS partners of Port of Amsterdam have selected Next Generation Shipyards from Lauwersoog, the Netherlands, to build the hydrogen vessel HS Neo Orbis. It will sail using hydrogen in a solid form: sodium borohydride.
By continuously looking for sustainable applications and techniques, Next Generation Shipyards works to stimulate zero-emission shipping. This ties in well with Port of Amsterdam’s Clean Shipping Vision and the H2SHIPS project objectives. With this innovative hydrogen vessel, Port of Amsterdam, the H2SHIPS consortium and Next Generation Shipyards are getting one step closer to making a future possible where clean shipping is a reality on a large-scale.
Also read: Port of Amsterdam launches tender for saloon boat using hydrogen in solid form
Pilot for clean shipping
The Neo Orbis will be the first ship in the world to sail electrically, propelled with hydrogen in solid form as an energy carrier: sodium borohydride. The NaBH4 fuelling system was developed within H2SHIPS by partners at TU Delft and in cooperation with the University of Amsterdam.
The major advantage of this hydrogen carrier is its high energy density and that it can be bunkered safely in many places. The ship will pave the way for scaling-up of this technology for inland and short-sea shipping, dredging, offshore and possibly also patrol vessels and naval vessels.
The Neo Orbis will serve as the flagship for Port of Amsterdam. Trial sailing is expected to start in June 2023.
Neo Orbis design
The design of the Neo Orbis comes from Wijk Yacht Creations. The innovative hydrogen installation is a design by H2 CIF. The project is subsidised by Interreg North West Europe.
Also read: Multipurpose ship Energy Observer 2 to run on liquid hydrogen
