Newly launched hydrogen-powered vessel completes trials

H2 Barge 2, the second inland containership retrofitted to run on hydrogen, has successfully completed its initial trials.

PHOTO: Green hydrogen-powered inland container vessel H2 Barge 2. FPS

Constructed by Dutch shipbuilder Holland Shipyards for Future Proof Shipping (FPS), a Dutch shipowner, the retrofitted vessel will navigate the Rhine River between Rotterdam and Duisburg.

The vessel was launched last month and has completed initial trials now. It will run on green hydrogen sourced from French gas supplier Air Liquide.

Equipped with six fuel cells, hydrogen storage, battery packs, and an electric drive train below deck, the H2 Barge 2 has a total installed power of 1.2 MW. This retrofit underscores the ongoing efforts within the maritime industry to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards sustainable energy sources.

DNV data shows a growing trend towards hydrogen-powered vessels, with one currently in operation and nineteen on order. Over the past two years, the number of vessels ordered with hydrogen fuel cell capability has increased, indicating a growing interest in this technology.

FPS’s previous venture, H2 Barge 1 was launched last year, and the company plans to launch another hydrogen-powered vessel in Paris later this year.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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