Hydrogen Bunkering Revolutionizing Sustainability in IJmuiden and Amsterdam Ports
Key Ideas
- Collaboration between key stakeholders in IJmuiden and Amsterdam ports to enable hydrogen bunkering for vessels.
- The licensing process for bunkering hydrogen was complex but a major step towards sustainability in the shipping sector.
- Introduction of Hydrocat 48 for offshore wind farm activities marks the beginning of using hydrogen as a green fuel in vessels.
- The North Sea Canal region plays a pivotal role in delivering sustainable energy with the help of hydrogen bunkering for vessels.
The collaboration between the IJmond Environmental Service, Port of IJmuiden NV, Port of Amsterdam, and Windcat Workboats has resulted in a major development in the sustainability of the ports of IJmuiden and Amsterdam, as well as the wider shipping sector in the Netherlands. By granting a license for bunkering hydrogen, the Province of North Holland aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Windcat Workboats' Hydrocat 48, used for transporting crew to offshore wind farms, is now operating with hydrogen fuel. This move is expected to accelerate the use of hydrogen as a green fuel in vessels. The North Sea Canal region is identified as crucial for delivering sustainable energy, with a significant portion of the planned wind energy at sea for 2030 coming from this region. By enabling bunkering hydrogen for vessels in this region, the transition towards cleaner energy practices becomes more feasible.