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Zero-emission Shipping.

It’s already happening.

There are numerous feasible possibilities to hit the zero emissions target in the shipping industry; hydrogen, batteries, and even solar and wind power are proving their worth in the ‘race to zero’. Looking at the bigger picture, the expansion of zero-emission shipping will contribute significantly to the global efforts to halt and reverse the impact of climate change. And it’s already happening here in Rotterdam.

Download the regional research and education map.

Scaling up in Rotterdam

Zero-emission shipping is far more than an idealistic dream. It is a reality that is already happening in the here and now. Rotterdam is a trailblazer, facilitating the development of solutions from pioneers that are making zero-emission shipping possible.

We do this by active collaboration between big companies and start-ups & scale-ups and helping to find the right investment. Also, by investing in knowledge institutions and Fieldlabs to develop, test and demonstrate new solutions for zero-emission shipping.

Find out more about the startup and scale-up climate in Rotterdam

Investing in new technologies

Rather than sitting around waiting for things to happen, Rotterdam gets things going by investing in new technologies and pioneering companies.

Take hydrogen. As Europe’s Hydrogen hub, this includes welcoming innovations such as retrofitting an inland container vessel to be able to sail 100% on green hydrogen, which is currently done by startup Future Proof Shipping.

Learn more about the Hydro Motion Team.

At Delft University of Technology, a global frontrunner specialised in maritime technology, a team of students is now turning their attention to hydrogen power after 15 years of developing solar-powered boats. Working together with the maritime sector to accelerate the transition to green energy, the goal of the Hydro Motion Team is to design and build a hydrogen-powered boat within one year.

Another innovation started here comes from startup company Zero Emission Services, which allows its clients to sail their inland shipping vessels with interchangeable battery packs. Empty battery packs are exchanged for full ones at strategically located charging points. The consortium, consisting of Ebusco, Dutch bank ING, Wärtsilä, and the Port of Rotterdam, invests in concrete steps to decarbonise the shipping sector. With the support of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and through regional and national subsidies, the pilot kicked off in 2020 with the world’s most international brewer, HEINEKEN, as its launching customer and is now sailing!

Join the movement

We are well on our way when it comes to limiting maritime emissions and realising zero-emission shipping. But we are striving for more. We are constantly looking for new startups and scale-ups with innovative ideas. We invite you to join our green movement! Do you have any questions about developments of zero-emission shipping in Rotterdam? Get in touch!

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