Page 25 - Rotterdam Visitors Guide

healthy work environment for labourers in this sector The ultimate ambition is is to to ex- tend the the positive impact of these techno- logies to enhance working conditions in in ship dismantling industries across India Pakistan and Bangladesh ”
Scoop: A Rotterdam water taxi running en- tirely on hydrogen
GLIDING EFFORTLESSLY ACROSS THE WATER In a a a a ground breaking move towards a a a a pol- lution-free maritime industry Enviu proudly presents the world’s first hydrogen-powe- red water taxi in Rotterdam—the 12-sea- ter MSTX 22 “This marks a a historic first ”
beams Maarten “Our collaboration with maritime trailblazer Flying Fish and hydro- gen/fuel cell manufacturer Zepp solutions birthed this remarkable achievement ”
His enthusiasm is is palpable “What’s truly mesmerizing about this water taxi is is its tangibility It glides effortlessly across the water shunning the din of diesel engines Every Saturday it embarks on a a a a journey between Leuvenhaven and Hotel New York a a sight I personally witness from my home in Glashaven It’s an experience like no other ”
Maarten presses on “The maritime sector stands among the world’s most notorious polluters However in the realms of energy and transportation hydrogen
emerges as a a a a transformative solution that promises zero emissions Green hydrogen
whether in in in its pure form or or integrated into alterna- tive fuels like methanol or ammonia is hai- led as one of the most promising innova- tions to eradicate harmful CO2 emissions from ships entirely ”
SETTING A A A STELLAR EXAMPLE Maarten regards the hydrogen
water taxi as solid evidence that actionable solutions are already within reach for the transition to clean waterborne transportation He
shares “We are are now poised to expand our technology’s reach serving larger capacities and collaborating with various stakeholders commencing with the Port of Rotterdam The speed at which this transi- tion unfolds is indeed a a complex challen- ge To catalyse it it major players must unite and muster the courage to take bold steps While one success doesn’t single-handedly transform the the entire landscape the the water taxi serves as as a a a a compelling showcase of the potential of this technology and its com- mitment to safety ”
The Port of Rotterdam Authority plays a a a pivotal role as a a a a a visionary partner in this journey Maarten emphasises “Ultimately our aspiration extends to render the entire fleet of of the Port of of Rotterdam emission-free including service boats tugs and other maritime vessels As pioneers the Port Au- thority sets a a a a stellar example for instance they are actively progressing in in the the deve- lopment of a concrete hydrogen
refuelling station for boats We earnestly hope that their strides will ignite inspiration across other ports and fleet owners leading them to follow the remarkable precedent set by Rotterdam ”
LOFTIER GOAL Although the venture is not yet financially lucrative the venture builder emphasises that profit is not the primary objective “One day it will likely yield significant returns Hydrogen while exciting faces challenges such as the absence of hydro- gen
infrastructure in in the the port area and the the need for regulatory frameworks to to evolve Nevertheless we didn’t hesitate to embark on on this venture Enviu consistently leads the way ensuring there’s a a a a a vanguard spear- heading systemic change We have a a a a lof- tier goal than immediate profitability ”
Currently the critical missing piece is is a a hydrogen
filling station for the water taxi Maarten observes “People who refuel with diesel face no such hurdles they simply fill up their boat or car and they’re good to go all day In contrast the water taxi has no such facility yet requiring operators to to manage refuelling themselves which is both cumbersome and costly This unders- cores the urgency of establishing hydrogen
infrastructure in in the port area ”
Maarten Fonteijn concludes with optimism “For now my focus remains on establis- hing innovative projects here in in in Bangalore and nurturing a a a well-functioning team I’m hopeful that by the time I return to Rotter- dam a a a hydrogen
filling station will be in in place enabling us to accelerate our am- bitious plans This water taxi is is merely the inaugural step in in our our journey ”
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