Future Proof Shipping’s Retrofit of the ‘Maas’
Future Proof Shipping’s Retrofit of the ‘Maas’
A Green Partnership
FPS focuses on taking a holistic approach to making hydrogen-based shipping technically and commercially viable. They offer zero-emissions marine transportation services to enable players across the value chain to make the energy transition in shipping. In March 2021, they officially announced their cooperation with Holland Shipyards Group (HSG) to embark on retrofitting their inland container vessel the “Maas” to a zero-emissions hydrogen propulsion system. It is expected to be sailing entirely on hydrogen power by December 2021.
During this retrofit in Q4 of 2021, the internal combustion engine on the Maas will be removed and replaced by the new zero-emissions propulsion system, which includes fuel cells, battery packs, electric motor, and hydrogen storage. Once retrofitted, the Maas will hold the shipping line between Rotterdam and Antwerp and is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2000 CO2e tonnes annually.
With FPS as a tonnage provider offering zero-emissions vessels for charter to cargo-owners,and HSG in shipbuilding the two companies share the goal of working exclusively on projects with environmental sustainability at their core.
“FPS is excited to be working together with HSG on the retrofitting of the Maas to run entirely on hydrogen. This future-proof ship will truly be a zero-emissions vessel, a vessel to forge the way for a greener and more sustainable inland shipping industry.” Richard Klatten, CEO – Future Proof Shipping.
Future Proof Shipping has received funding from Interreg via the ZEM Ports NS project to support the retrofitting of the “Maas”. This funding subsidises some key equipment to be installed onboard during the retrofit. It also has supported FPS’s initial safety study and ongoing monitoring of the vessel’s emissions performance. The funding will continue to support further work on the safety study up until the final design, HAZOP, and risk assessments are fully completed.
