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Future Proof Shipping (FPS) is advancing zero-emission transport solutions with the launch of H2 Barge 2, which operates emission-free along the Rhine between Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Duisburg, Germany. This vessel, retrofitted in 2023, utilizes six PEM fuel cell modules and can carry the equivalent of 190 twenty-foot containers, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions by 3,000 tonnes annually.

The global shipping industry, responsible for around 3% of CO₂ emissions, is exploring hydrogen as a cleaner alternative, with projections suggesting hydrogen could account for 19% of maritime energy by 2050. The recent development of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered tanker in Lithuania and a hydrogen-powered catamaran in San Francisco further showcases the growing adoption of hydrogen technology in maritime transport. Despite high costs, technological advancements are expected to make hydrogen more competitive with traditional fuels.