On 4 March, Holland Shipyards Group successfully completed the first trials for Future Proof Shipping’s H2 Barge 2. It is the shipbuilder’s second zero-emission inland navigation ship that is powered by hydrogen.
Picture by Holland Shipyards Group.
Dutch shipowner Future Proof Shipping (FPS), the EU-funded Flagships project, and the Interreg-funded ZEM Ports NS project launched the groundbreaking H2 Barge 2 in early February. The hydrogen-powered vessel will ship goods completely emission-free on the Rhine between Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Duisburg, Germany.
Also read: Hydrogen cargo ship ready for operation on the Rhine
Successful retrofit
The H2 Barge 2 is the first of two demonstrators in the EU-funded Flagships project, and the second demonstrator of the ZEM Ports NS project. The vessel, formerly Fenny 1 and FPS Waal, was built as a conventionally powered container ship.
During 2023, H2 Barge 2 was stripped of all combustion engines, reduction gearbox and fossil fuel tanks at Holland Shipyards Group (HSG) in Werkendam. The diesel engine driving the bow thruster and diesel generators was replaced with a new modular propulsion system. This system includes electric motors, hydrogen tanks, a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system for converting hydrogen into electric power, and a battery system. Six fuel cells from Ballard Power Systems raise the total power installed to 1.2 MW.
On LinkedIn, Holland Shipyards states: ‘This step forward was made possible by the collaboration with partners who are just as determined as we are to set new standards for the maritime industry, including Orca Marine Design. Their expertise in engineering was crucial in realising this project. We appreciate the collective effort that has gone into this project and are optimistic about the role of hydrogen in shaping a greener future for shipping.’
Also read: Ballard supplies fuel cells for FPS Waal retrofit
H2 Barge 2
- Formerly known as FPS Waal and Fenny 1 (built 1993)
- Size: 109.8 metres long, 11.4 metres wide
- Retrofit: 2023, Holland Shipyards Group (HSG), Werkendam
- Capacity: 190 TEU
- Route: Rotterdam – Duisburg
- Fuel cells: 6×200 kW (FC Wave from Ballard Power Systems)
Also read: FPS joins Flagships project to realise second hydrogen inland container ship
