Dutch green maritime coalition

Backed with a €1.4 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund, a consortium of 21 technology developers, shipping companies, shipyards, suppliers, laboratories, universities of applied sciences and the University of Groningen has come together under the ‘Green Maritime Coalition’.

The plan is to lead the way in the transition to large-scale emissions-free shipping with a focus on the development and application of hydrogen, wind and electric propulsion as well as ship-based carbon capture and storage, and automation of production processes.

“The energy transition provides the innovative northern Dutch maritime industry great opportunities to become a global player in developing and delivery of green technologies for clean shipping,” said Guus van der Bles, director development of Conoship International which along with Groninger Maritime Board is heading up the coalition.

“Co-operation between technology developers, shipbuilders, ship-owners and knowledge institutes is essential for this, in combination with robotisation of ship-production to build the innovative zero-emission ships in the northern Netherlands.”

Initial partners of the Green & Digital Maritime Innovation Ecosystem Northern Netherlands include Conoship International, MSN, Holthausen Clean Technology, eCONOwind, Bouman Industries, Bijlsma Wartena, Doze Management, Koninklijke Niestern-Sander, Eekels Technology, Cadmatic, Wijnne & Barends’ Cargadoors-en Agentuurkantoren, Wagenborg Shipping, ROC Friese Poort, Stichting NHL Stenden Hogeschool, and Rijksuniversiteit Groningen.