The First Movers series puts the spotlight on maritime companies that were among the first to trial and adopt new fuels and technologies. 

But rather than focusing on initial big announcements and headlines, this series asks what happens in the months and years that follow. It aims to unpack the practical challenges, tangible results, and new opportunities experienced by shipping’s first movers as new fuels and technologies become part of their operations. 

In this fourth episode of First Movers, Ariane Morrissey is joined by Femke Brenninkmeijer, CEO of NPRC, a Dutch cooperative of barge owners. The company pioneered Antonie, the world’s first newbuild inland vessel that can use hydrogen as a fuel.

In this conversation, Femke reflects on the key learnings from the project, which was launched with a vision for the 135-metre-long inland ship, which transports salt for Nobian from its production site of Delfzijl to Rotterdam, to be fuelled by green hydrogen that is created as a by-product of salt production.

While Antonie officially started operations in late 2023, it has not been able to use hydrogen as a fuel yet – due to delays in some certifications, engineering, and deliveries of hydrogen containers. 

Despite those setbacks, Femke is confident that the vessel will sail on hydrogen in the coming months, and the company is already working on two more projects for hydrogen-fuelled ships. 

She recognised that being a first mover comes at a price, but she believes it is worth it for the learnings gained – not only in terms of technical and engineering expertise, but in shedding light on the importance of solid partnerships to go through the inevitable ‘ups and downs’ of spearheading innovation.

Episode 01: Rasmus Nielsen, Naval Architect / Officer, Scandlines

Episode 02: Andrew Hoare, Group Manager of Green Shipping at Fortescue

Episode 03: Jordan Pechie, President, Seaspan Marine Transportation