Fossil-free shipping Wadden Sea project receives 26 million
A unique collaboration – Dutch FME trade association, the business community, knowledge institutions, and the local (sea)ports – aim to achieve CO2-neutral and fossil-free shipping and facilities in the Wadden Sea ports.In the "Green Shipping" project, the parties are collaborating to accelerate innovations in the region. Approximately €26 million is being invested in ten subprojects, of which €8 million is a subsidy from the Wadden Fund. The Dutch industry, united in FME, aims to achieve a 60% CO2 reduction for the Wadden Sea ship fleet.
Pilot projects
Pilot projects will demonstrate whether fossil-free energy carriers like hydrogen and bio-methanol can play a role in achieving these ambitions. The pilots involve innovations not only for shipping but also for ports, where the production and supply of green hydrogen is crucial.
Fossil-free shipping through hydrogen
The production and application of green hydrogen is being demonstrated in the port of Den Helder. A consortium has been established for this purpose, including Total, Engie, Port of Den Helder, Damen Shipyards, and New Energy CoalitionThe consortium aims to establish a hydrogen infrastructure in the port. This involves the construction of a solar farm, an electrolyzer, and a public hydrogen filling station. An electrically powered vessel with a hydrogen fuel cell is also being developed, allowing various maritime service providers and knowledge institutions to gain experience. Solutions for using bio-methanol as an energy carrier are also being explored. This is easier to store and competitive with the price of diesel.
Fossil-free shipping through on shore power facilities
Mooring ships without are a source of emissions and noise, as their engines and generators generate electricity using diesel. The goal of the Hydrogen for Shore Power project, one of the subprojects of Green Shipping, is the design, construction and testing of a mobile hydrogen generator. In this project New Energy Coalition is involved.
The late Dutch national hero and astronaut Wubbo Ockels' showcase sailboat, now owned by the WadDuurzaam foundation, is being converted to run on green hydrogen. This will generate valuable practical knowledge and lead to greater awareness of hydrogen as an energy carrier of the future.
Partners
A large number of FME members have committed to Green Shipping: Bredenoord, Eekels TBI, Nedstack, Electric Ship Facilities, ENGIE Services West BV and Damen Shipyards.
Other partners are Groningen Sea Ports -Port of Den Helder-Port of Harlingen, Wad Duurzaam Foundation (Gasunie, Rabobank, Province of Groningen), Bureau Scheepvaart Certification/Bureau Veritas, Conoship, Stokkel Engineering, Bio-MCN, PitPoint.H2 / Total, Foundation New Energy Coalition and the TU Delft.
