Neo Orbis, the new innovation vessel for the Port of Amsterdam, was launched earlier this month at Next Generation Shipyards in Lauwersoog. Neo Orbis (meaning “new world”) is the first electric vessel in the world capable of producing hydrogen on board from a solid substance: sodium borohydride.
Neo Orbis will serve as the Port of Amsterdam’s new representative vessel, but above all as an innovation and pilot ship within the European H2SHIPS programme. This programme investigates how hydrogen can contribute to making shipping more sustainable and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Construction of the vessel began in 2023.
Also read: Next Generation Shipyards to build Amsterdam’s new hydrogen-powered pilot vessel Neo Orbis
Hydrogen from a solid substance
The Neo Orbis will be the first ship in the world to sail electrically, propelled with hydrogen in solid form as an energy carrier. The hydrogen on board is produced from sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and enables the vessel to recharge its own batteries. 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.
Reused materials
Not only the hydrogen installation is innovative; the vessel’s construction is as well. Approximately eighty per cent of the materials used for the interior consist of reused components, and partially reused steel has been applied for the hull.
Now that the vessel has been launched, initial sea trials will soon take place. The vessel will then be certified as an electrically propelled ship and sail to its berth in the Port of Amsterdam, where Neo Orbis will have its own boathouse.
Also read: Hydrogen ship Neo Orbis is Decarbonisation Award nominee
Ultimately fully hydrogen-powered
Meanwhile, work continues on completing the hydrogen installation. Lloyd’s Register will ultimately certify the vessel, which is scheduled for this summer. Once the hydrogen system has been installed, Neo Orbis will be able to operate fully on hydrogen. Until then, the vessel will sail electrically.
Picture by Port of Amsterdam.
