The government of the Netherlands has granted the first hydrogen refueling license, allowing hydrogen-powered ships to refuel in the port of IJmuiden. An energy opportunity for ports and other transport services.
The first hydrogen fueling license
This permit, granted by the IJmond Environmental Service on behalf of the municipality of Velsen, marks a historic milestone in the transition to cleaner fuels, aligning with the Dutch province’s goal of becoming climate neutral by early 2050.
The license was the result of a strategic collaboration between the IJmond Environmental Service, the Port of IJmuiden NV, the Port of Amsterdam and Windcat Workboats. These entities conducted extensive research to define the technical and safety requirements necessary for hydrogen fueling in a port environment.
This joint effort ensures that hydrogen-powered ships, such as the Hydrocat 48, can refuel safely and efficiently in IJmuiden. The Hydrocat 48, used to transport crews to and from offshore wind farms, will now operate from the port of Ostend following its departure from IJmuiden.
The port of IJmuiden, located near Amsterdam, is strategically positioned as an ideal hub for hydrogen supply, especially in support of planned future wind farms of up to 21 GW in the North Sea. This infrastructure will not only benefit existing vessels such as the Hydrocat 48, but also future hydrogen-powered vessels operating in these areas.
Windcat Workboats, is driving the adoption of hydrogen as a marine fuel. Last week, CMB.TECH ordered six construction and operating support vessels(CSOVs) that will be retrofitted to run on hydrogen, highlighting the potential for expanding the use of this fuel in marine transportation.
“The legal process of obtaining the license was rigorous and complex due to recent developments in hydrogen bunkering for shipping. Now that the first license has been approved, we expect the use of hydrogen as an environmentally friendly fuel to accelerate,” he said.
Willem van der Wel, president of Windcat Workboats.
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Source and photo: Port of Amsterdam
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