With two zero-emission vessels successfully launched into operation on European waterways, FLAGSHIPS has been selected by the jury of the Waterborne Awards as one of three projects nominated for environmental impact.
FLAGSHIPS is a collaboration of 12 European partners aimed at raising the readiness of zero-emission waterborne transport.
The first demonstrator vessel, H2 Barge 2, was launched in Rotterdam in February 2024; the second, Zulu 06, commenced operations in Paris in December. Both vessels are powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
“FLAGSHIPS is a great example of what we can accomplish when industry partners and the public sector work together to overcome barriers to decarbonisation in shipping. This nomination is well deserved and highlights the power of collaboration in action,” says Ada Martine Jakobsen, CEO of Maritime CleanTech.
Toward sustainable waterborne transport
The Waterborne Awards recognises game-changing initiatives in European waterborne transport in the categories of sustainability, innovation, and economic viability. The winners will be announced during Waterborne Days in Brussels, 4/5 February 2025.
Hosted by the Waterborne Technology Platform, Waterborne Days is a significant event for professionals in the waterborne transport sector. The two-day event will bring together industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss innovation, sustainability, and the future of waterborne transport.
“We are thrilled to be among the finalists for this prestigious award. The nomination is a recognition of the hard work and dedication by our partners over many years, culminating in the successful launch of two hydrogen-powered vessels in the heart of Europe”, says Jyrki Mikkola, project coordinator of FLAGSHIPS and senior scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
About FLAGSHIPS
The FLAGSHIPS consortium includes 12 European partners, with shipowners, Future Proof Shipping (NL), Norled (NO), and CFT (FR) assisted by its support companies Sogestion (FR) and Sogestran (FR); the maritime OEM and integrator companies ABB Marine & Ports (FI) and SEAM (NO); and ship design company LMG Marin (NO & FR). World-leading fuel cell technology is provided by Ballard Power Systems Europe (DK), with vessel energy monitoring and management by Persee (FR). Management and dissemination activities are provided by VTT (FI) and Maritime CleanTech (NO), respectively.
FLAGSHIPS has received funding from Clean Hydrogen Partnership (previously Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking) under grant agreement No 826215. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program and from Hydrogen Europe.
See www.flagships.eu for more information.