Hydrogen: Just Do It
In response to the growing need for sustainable practices, major brands are increasingly embracing hydrogen as a clean source of energy to decarbonise their operations. And in the world of brands you don’t get much bigger than Nike.
The global clothing giant, have unveiled a ground-breaking initiative in Rotterdam, a zero-carbon cutting-edge inland container ship powered by hydrogen, claiming to be the first of its kind.
The vessel, named H2 Barge 1, has been retrofitted by Future Proof Shipping (FPS) and has been chartered by BCTN Network on Inland Terminals to serve Nike EMEA.
The revamped 110m x 11.45m container ship has undergone a significant transformation with the installation of hydrogen fuel cells. By using hydrogen as a clean energy source, the ship is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 2,000 tonnes annually.
It will primarily transport Nike’s merchandise between Rotterdam and the company’s European Logistics Campus in Belgium. This project demonstrates Nike’s commitment to sustainability and represents a significant step towards greener shipping practices in the fashion industry.
Eb Mukhtar, Vice-President Operations & Logistics at Nike EMEA says “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.
Nike, the global clothing giant, have unveiled a ground-breaking initiative in Rotterdam, a zero-carbon cutting-edge inland container ship powered by hydrogen, claiming to be the first of its kind.
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”.
Recognising the initiative, Mark Harbers, the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure & Water Management, honoured Hib van de Grijspaarde, the founder of FPS, with an A-Zero (A0) emission label. This prestigious recognition highlights the achievements of van de Grijspaarde and his team in promoting emission-free hydrogen transportation and sustainable practices in the shipping industry.
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“It’s my pleasure to present the very first A-Zero emission label to H2 Barge1, as it is the first vessel to truly qualify as zero-emission. An achievement worth applauding. I hope this achievement by Future Proof Shipping will persuade other shipowners to make the transition to emission-free transport too, and that many more A-Zero emission labels will be handed out in the future.” said Harber.
Describing the launch as a pivotal moment in the decarbonisation of shipping Richard Klatten, CEO of FPS added “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”.
The development of the H2 Barge 1 project received significant support through grant funding from various organisations.
Nike are keen to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, and their pioneering hydrogen project represents a significant step towards greener shipping practices in the fashion industry.
The Interreg North Sea Region Programme (Zero Emission Port North Sea – ZEM Ports NS), the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Port of Rotterdam, and the Expertise-en Innovatie Centrum Binnenvaart all played pivotal roles in providing financial support and expertise, furthering the progress towards zero-emission ports and innovation in the inland shipping industry.
Companies have an urgent need to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives. Hydrogen, with its potential to generate power without emissions, offers a promising solution, and is being used as a clean source of power for decarbonising numerous industrial processes, as well as heavy transportation, including buses, planes and trucks.
By adopting hydrogen as an energy source, big brands can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the global efforts to combat climate change. Furthermore, the transition allows brands to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and position themselves as leaders in the drive towards a greener future.
As more prominent companies adopt hydrogen, it encourages further innovation and investment in clean energy technologies, accelerating the shift to a low-carbon economy.
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