NERA-H2 Project: Accelerating the Energy Transition in European River Cruises
Key Ideas
  • The NERA-H2 project aims to address sustainability challenges in the river cruise sector in cities like Amsterdam, Basel, and Vienna by retrofitting existing vessels with hydrogen-based propulsion systems.
  • Zepp.solutions will provide its X150 fuel cell modules, capable of delivering over 1 MW of power output, to accelerate the transition to zero-emission maritime operations.
  • Funding for the project comes from the Dutch Maritime Master Plan project, targeting the deployment of at least 40 zero-emissions ships by 2030, with a focus on industry-wide adoption of hydrogen propulsion.
  • A consortium of partners, including research institutions and industry experts, collaborates on the NERA-H2 project to validate and develop the technology for practical maritime use.
The NERA-H2 project, spearheaded by NERA Company B.V., aims to tackle the sustainability challenge faced by the river cruise sector in several European cities. With over 420 river cruise vessels in operation in Europe, the sector is set to undergo stringent emissions regulations. To combat this, the project focuses on retrofitting existing vessels with hydrogen-based propulsion systems to accelerate the energy transition within inland waterways. Zepp.solutions plays a crucial role in the project by providing its X150 fuel cell modules, known for their high power output, which have already demonstrated success in heavy-duty applications like hydrogen-powered trucks. The initiative is financially supported by the Dutch Maritime Master Plan project, which aims to have 40 zero-emissions ships by 2030, thereby promoting the adoption of hydrogen propulsion in the maritime industry. The collaborative effort involves specialized partners such as research institutions MARIN and TNO, along with the Arnhem and Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences. These entities work together to ensure the feasibility of the technology for practical maritime operations, focusing on energy storage, digitalization research, and industry-wide decarbonization. The project emphasizes the importance of decarbonizing not only new vessels but also upgrading existing fleets. Zepp.solutions co-founder, Jonas Brendelberger, commended the well-structured approach of NERA-H2 and expressed eagerness about the collaboration. The project's goal is to share insights gained to pave the way for broader adoption of hydrogen propulsion and facilitate the transition to a zero-emission maritime sector.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.