The drive toward zero-emission dredging is gaining momentum, with electrification, alternative fuels, and hybrid power systems emerging as pivotal solutions. As the industry works to balance innovation with operational challenges, these advancements will play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Article by Andrew Ekwueme, Intent Communications, supplied to SWZ|Maritime by CEDA, ceda@dredging.org
Zero-emission dredging is an industry-wide challenge that requires proactive solutions and collaborative action. Stricter environmental regulations, including those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and EU, and growing pressure to decarbonise are driving the sector to actively explore ways to transition to cleaner operations. However, the reality of implementation presents complex technical, regulatory, and financial hurdles.
The industry is exploring electrification and hybrid power systems alongside alternative fuels such as hydrogen and methanol. Yet, despite growing momentum, turning these ideas into industry-wide standards is far from straightforward. Certification hurdles, infrastructure readiness, and cost uncertainties remain significant barriers, leaving operators and technology developers searching for scalable, long-term strategies.
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Complex and unstandardised
The certification process for hydrogen-powered vessels remains complex and unstandardised. While methanol is easier to store and transport, hydrogen presents logistical challenges due to its storage requirements and the limited refuelling infrastructure at ports. Many operators and technology developers are working with ports and energy suppliers to address these gaps, but scalable solutions remain a work in progress.
Meanwhile, the high upfront costs of zero-emission technology, whether for battery-electric systems, fuel cells, or retrofits, pose a challenge, particularly for smaller operators. Pilot projects, such as the H2-Hopper – created through a partnership between Rijkswaterstaat and Royal IHC in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including the vessel contractor and operator, are driving the development of the H2-Hopper project.
Challenge extends beyond initial contract
Although stopped after the design phase, such projects are helping to de-risk investments, but the long-term economic case for alternative fuels, particularly hydrogen is still developing. While the H2-Hopper was envisioned for Dutch beach nourishment projects where hydrogen availability was assumed, its broader viability remains uncertain.
For contractors considering investment, the challenge extends beyond the initial contract: if hydrogen infrastructure remains limited, particularly outside key regions, the vessel’s operational flexibility and commercial appeal could be significantly restricted.
On 14 November, 2024, ZEDhub and CEDA Decarbonisation Commission organised an exclusive business event focusing on ideas related to the transition towards zero-emission dredging. The event brought together industry experts and frontrunner projects to tackle challenges head-on. Discussions centred on hydrogen-powered dredgers, the role of hybrid direct current (DC) grids in improving efficiency, and the real-world limitations of alternative fuels. While technical progress is evident, the industry is still working to bridge the gap between promising concepts and real-world implementation at scale.
Electrification and hybrid power grids
Electrification is playing a growing role in dredging’s transition to zero-emission operations, particularly for inland and nearshore applications where battery-electric solutions are becoming increasingly viable. Advances in shore power infrastructure and onboard energy storage systems are helping to reduce emissions in ports and along shorter operational routes. However, for larger dredging vessels operating continuously at sea, full electrification remains technically and economically unfeasible with today’s technology challenge.
This is where hybrid power grids, which integrate batteries with traditional or alternative fuel systems, are providing a scalable solution. DC grid technology is proving to be key in hybrid dredging power systems. Unlike traditional alternative current (AC)-based electrical setups, DC grids optimise energy distribution, reduce conversion losses, and enable peak shaving, improving the overall efficiency of dredging operations.
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Hybrid DC grids
At the CEDA Decarbonisation Commission and ZEDhub event, experts emphasised how hybrid DC grids are already being implemented in pilot projects to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Speaking to CEDA Industry News (CIN), Arjen De Jong, managing director of Blue Dutch Innovation and director of ZEDhub, reinforced this, stating: ‘Hybrid power systems provide the best of both worlds, allowing us to optimise fuel consumption and integrate alternative energy sources without sacrificing operational performance.’ These systems offer long-term flexibility, ensuring that dredging vessels can transition towards fully zero-emission operations over time.
One of the biggest challenges is scalability and cost. Hybrid power requires high-capacity battery storage, which demands significant upfront investment and infrastructure development. Additionally, effective energy management is crucial to ensure that fuel savings and emissions reductions justify these costs.
While full electrification isn’t yet viable for all dredging operations, hybrid power systems provide a realistic transition. With continued investment, innovation, and regulatory support, they will play a key role in advancing zero-emission dredging.
Decarbonising dredging through hydrogen and methanol
Hydrogen and methanol are emerging as two promising alternative fuels. Both offer potential pathways to decarbonisation, but their scalability and application differ significantly. Hydrogen is often seen as a long-term solution due to its zero carbon emissions during fuel cell use. However, for hydrogen or methanol to be truly zero-emission, it must be green hydrogen or bio/e-methanol, produced using renewable energy sources, something that is not yet available at scale.
Storage, bunkering infrastructure, and energy efficiency losses also present significant barriers to widespread adoption. At the CEDA Decarbonisation Commission and ZEDhub event, experts discussed projects like the H2-Hopper, which is exploring the feasibility of a fully sustainable dredger powered by green hydrogen. While posing a challenge, the project is still in the pilot phase, with regulatory approval and refuelling infrastructure remaining key hurdles.
Methanol, on the other hand, is gaining traction. Unlike hydrogen, methanol can be stored as a liquid at ambient temperatures, making it easier to integrate into existing fuel supply chains. This scalability advantage was highlighted in the presentations, where experts noted that retrofits for methanol-powered systems are already underway in the maritime sector. For large-scale industrial or commercial applications, retrofitting remains financially challenging, with return on investment (ROI) often favoring newbuild vessels over conversions.
However, both fuels require careful consideration of vessel design, operational profiles, and infrastructure readiness. As De Jong notes: ‘Hydrogen is an interesting energy carrier, but methanol may be easier to scale in the near term.’ This highlights the industry’s focus on practicality while continuing research into hydrogen for the future.
With ongoing pilot projects, investment in refuelling infrastructure, and regulatory developments, hydrogen and methanol could play a growing role in the transition to sustainable dredging. However, their success will depend on continued collaboration between vessel operators, fuel suppliers, and policymakers to ensure economic and technical feasibility.
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The price of progress – regulations, costs, and infrastructure
While innovation is advancing, scaling up these technologies depends on overcoming key structural challenges. One of the primary concerns raised at the CEDA Decarbonisation Commission and ZEDhub event is the complex and lengthy approval process for vessels using alternative fuels.
De Jong explains: ‘Regulatory pathways for hydrogen and methanol-powered vessels are still evolving, making it difficult for operators to commit to large-scale investments. Without clear and standardised certification frameworks, companies must navigate case-by-case approvals, slowing progress and adding risk to new projects .’
The H2-Hopper project, for example, has successfully passed its conceptual design stage, but detailed design and deployment remain contingent on hydrogen supply infrastructure catching up with vessel readiness . Without coordinated efforts between ports, regulatory bodies, and technology providers, the industry risks a misalignment between fuel availability and fleet transitions.
Financial pressures further complicate the transition. ‘It’s still difficult for operators to determine the best energy carrier, and without clear investment security, many hesitate to commit,’ says De Jong.
Will project owners be willing to pay?
However, a key uncertainty remains will project owners, often public entities, be willing to pay the premium for zero-emission dredging? For new hopper dredgers, dual-fuel (diesel-methanol) is the expected choice, with vessels initially running on (bio-)diesel until regulatory incentives and financial drivers make methanol the more economical option. Additionally, the cost of compliance with new environmental standards, combined with fuel pricing uncertainty, raises concerns about whether operators can achieve a return on investment.
Despite these barriers, frontrunner projects such as the H2-Hopper and battery- electric dredging pilots are proving critical in de-risking investments and shaping long-term strategies. By demonstrating real-world feasibility, these initiatives provide valuable data for regulators and industry players looking to scale zeroemission dredging technologies. Moving forward, collaborative efforts between policymakers, financial institutions, and industry leaders will be key to ensuring a commercially viable transition.
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A feasible reality
While challenges remain, from regulatory uncertainties to infrastructure and investment risks, progress is evident through frontrunner projects and cross-sector partnerships that are shaping industry standards.
Zero-emission dredging is no longer a distant goal, but a feasible reality. As fuel technology advances, regulations evolve, and sustainability targets tighten, the industry will continue adapting. With ongoing investment and cooperation, sustainable dredging will play a pivotal role in supporting maritime green transition.
Picture: The H2-Hopper, created through a partnership between Rijkswaterstaat and Royal IHC in collaboration with key industry stakeholder (photo Royal IHC).
