The transport of cargo with hydrogen-powered inland vessels between Rotterdam and Genoa has just come a step closer, says a press release published on the Port of Rotterdam website.
European Commission funding
The European Commission has awarded 0.5 million euros in funding for further research to the RH2INE partnership, whose members also include the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
The application was jointly submitted by:
- the Province of Zuid-Holland,
- the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia,
- the ports of Rotterdam and
- Duisburg and RheinCargo.
The partners will also be contributing 0.5 million euros to the research budget.
What is the set target?
The target is that by 2024, along the Rhine-Alpine Corridor (the main freight route between the port of Rotterdam and Cologne) should have at least 10 vessels running on hydrogen.
Hydrogen refuelling stations
- This requires three hydrogen refuelling stations along the way.
- The number of stations will be expanded for hydrogen-powered freight vessels to continue to Genoa.
Public and private sectors joins RH2INE
To facilitate the use of hydrogen as a transport fuel, twenty parties – from both the public and private sectors – have joined forces in the RH2INE (Rhine Hydrogen Integration Network of Excellence) alliance.
Usage of grant fund
The European grant will be used to fund research into:
- which hydrogen refuelling stations are best suited for this purpose,
- hydrogen technology and
- which legislation will be required in the various countries and locations to allow inland vessels to switch to hydrogen.
Knowledge sharing
The network members also intend to learn from each other via RH2INE.
They will achieve this by exchanging knowledge regarding the use of hydrogen in inland shipping. Each of these parties plays a role in a future hydrogen economy, from production to distribution to its utilisation in shipping.
Proves On track
As far as the European Commission is concerned, the RH2INE grant application came at an excellent time. It aligns seamlessly with Brussels’ sustainability targets in its search for alternative fuels and opportunities to raise sustainability after the Covid crisis.
Floor Vermeulen, the Member of the Provincial Executive of Zuid-Holland responsible for traffic and transport said, “I see this grant as an incentive through which the EU confirms that we are on the right track. Furthermore, it connects with Zuid-Holland’s ambition to achieve a better balance between transport and a pleasant social environment.”
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Source: PortofRotterdam
