Future Proof Shipping (FPS) launched the first hydrogen-powered zero-emissions inland container ship on 25 May, with the aim of a zero-carbon future.
The H2 Barge 1 is Future Proof Shipping’s zero-emission inland containership, chartered by BCTN on behalf of NIKE EMEA.
This initiative is in line with the goals of FPS, which over the course of the next five years hopes to build a fleet of ten zero-emission inland and short-sea vessels that it will rent out to logistics service providers and cargo owners.
H2 Barge 1 will make several weekly trips between Rotterdam and BCTN's inland port at Meerhout, where it is anticipated to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2000 tonnes of CO₂e annually.
Future Proof Shipping CEO Richard Klatten highlighted how this partnership fosters a future-positive approach towards sustainability: "We have been working for a couple of years now to ensure we tread more lightly on the planet.
“This shipping project proves that moving cargo with zero emissions and zero impact is possible and we hope it accelerates the industry to follow in Nike’s footsteps and move to zero.
"I would like to thank our dedicated FPS team, our founder Huib van de Grijspaarde for his unwavering belief in us and the project and all our trusted partners for enabling us to see it through. This is a pivotal moment, not just for Future Proof Shipping but for the future of shipping.”
This partnership is aligning with the IMO 2030 objectives for a 40% reduction in petrol emissions through their hydrogen-based model.
Nike EMEA operations and logistics VP Eb Mukhtar emphasised Nike’s outlook on a sustainable future and how it can impact the maritime industry: “Nike’s ultimate goal is to create a zero carbon, zero waste future. We’ve been on this journey for decades and we’re setting even bolder goals for the future.
"The H2 Barge 1 is an important example of how we are investing in sustainable progress across logistics and transportation to protect the environment for future generations.”
Additionally, this partnership aligns with Nike’s "Move To Zero" movement, which encompasses their company-wide initiative to lower carbon emissions and provide products to athletes with less of an environmental effect.
Nike stated that through the usage of fuel cells and green hydrogen that replaced the diesel model, it is able to enhance the inland barge and create an environmentally sustainable shipping system.
