Dutch Maritime Program THRUST introduces the first comprehensive overview of hydrogen vessels in the maritime sector

• Online map brings together all hydrogen-based initiatives in the sector;
• The initiative calls for collaboration towards impact: in order to achieve a zero emission maritime sector, we need to work together.
• THRUST supports the acceleration of the transition to a post-fossil fuel maritime sector

THRUST, a program leading the transition towards a fossil fuel free and more circular shipping industry, initiated the first comprehensive overview of hydrogen vessels in the maritime sector, called The Green Maritime Initiatives overview. This online map displays all currently active initiatives on an interactive map, both locally in The Netherlands and globally. The goal of the initiative is to clarify where sustainable initiatives can be found and offer opportunities to collaborate. 

There is clearly an urgent need for the maritime industry to shift towards sustainable growth. Though the industry makes up 90% of the world’s trade, it is responsible for 3% total greenhouse gas emissions and just one large container vessel in the open sea emits as much Sulphur as about 19 million cars in city traffic. The only way a sustainable maritime industry can be achieved is by collaboration. The Green Maritime Initiatives map shows which green initiatives are already out there globally, marking a first step in for establishing global collaborations. 

Klaas Visser, TU Delft researcher, former marine officer and thought leader in the Dutch maritime transition debater: “In order to build a cleaner maritime sector we need collaboration. We need academics, entrepreneurs and corporates to work together. An overview of all green maritime initiatives is important to make sure that within this field all break-through projects find, learn from and work with one another. That way we can focus our efforts on what has not yet been done or to take what has been done to the next level - creating a cleaner industry together.”

Within the industry, there is growing momentum for a transition towards zero-emission fuels. There is widespread recognition that change is on the horizon. The current market shows the momentum is there for a transition towards a more sustainable maritime industry. Intense collaboration can turn this potential into reality. A substantial barrier to transition in the maritime industry is the fragmented nature of most existing research and initiatives. Until now there existed no easy way to gain a quick overview of all the work being conducted. 

This meant it was easy for projects to remain isolated and miss opportunities for further collaboration, integration or development.

The Green Maritime Initiatives overview provides two key opportunities to remedy this:

1. It will assist players in the sector in better understanding the currently active initiatives avoiding repeat work and reinventing the wheel. 
2. It will highlight opportunities for collaboration both regionally and across borders, creating the opportunity to both strengthen existing projects and accelerate the implementation of existing zero-emission technologies into the maritime sector.

Maarten Fonteijn, venture builder and product owner of the initiative: “We want this map to exist as a living overview that can constantly be updated and urge the sector to reach out and help make this vision come true. Already, the map is clear proof of the growing momentum for green initiatives across the industry, clearly demonstrating that The Netherlands in particular has a wealth of interesting projects currently underway, firmly countering the perception that the Dutch industry lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to hydrogen.”

Impact venture building studio Enviu created its THRUST program (Towards Hydrogen-based Renewables Used for Ship Transportation), as multi-year initiative to help reduce the climate impact created by the maritime industry and enable sustainable growth. To spur systemic change in the maritime industry THRUST supports research, initiates pilot projects and builds new ventures. By uniting industry partners, technology owners and potential solutions we are working to show that the adoption of zero-emission technologies is not just possible, but a profitable long-term solution with a working business case. 

The Green Maritime Initiatives overview can be found here and will be updated continuously as new initiatives are being launched. 

About THRUST

THRUST was initiated as Future Proof Shipping by impact venture builder Enviu and Huib van de Grijspaarde in 2016. THRUST stands for Towards Hydrogen-based Renewables Used for Ship Transportation. A program leading the maritime industry towards zero harmful emissions.

The shipping industry has immense potential for reducing its ecological footprint but is currently limited by several macroeconomic factors that affect the maritime industry and the world at large. 

In partnership with governments, universities, entrepreneurs, innovators and key players in the shipping and energy industry, THRUST aims to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies and innovations for the maritime industry and to stimulate the transition towards a fossil fuel free and more circular shipping industry.

We aim to break down silos and want to cooperate with all partners with relevant expertise, vision and ambition across all sectors, from zero-emission activism to relevant innovations and industries. If we would think we could do it alone, we would not be thinking big enough.

The Green Maritime Initiative mapping is giving insight in all hydrogen-based initiatives in the sector. If there is any information in our map that is inaccurate or you notice that your initiative or an initiative you know is not included, please reach out! You can find Maarten or Tim via their emails  maarten@enviu.org or tim@enviu.org.

If you're interested in the work we’re doing at THRUST you can get an overview of our current work and active projects on our website.