Hydrogen Retrofits Are Changing River Cruises

Zepp.solutions Powers the Switch to Zero-Emission River Cruising with Hydrogen Technology

The river cruise industry is on the brink of significant transformation as it embraces clean energy solutions. Thanks to Zepp.solutions, a Dutch leader in hydrogen fuel cell systems, retrofitted vessels may soon offer zero-emission journeys along Europe’s rivers. Their role in the NERA-H2 project, a forward-thinking initiative funded by the Dutch Maritime Master Plan, highlights the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology to reshape maritime transport.

Retrofitting Cruise Vessels with Hydrogen Power

River cities such as Amsterdam and Vienna have implemented stringent emission standards, which pose challenges for the river cruise sector. The NERA-H2 project addresses these challenges by retrofitting existing vessels with modular hydrogen fuel cell systems integrated alongside battery-electric drivetrains.

Zepp.solutions will provide its state-of-the-art X150 fuel cell modules, capable of delivering a power output exceeding 1MW — more than enough to operate a cruise ship. Designed for heavy-duty use, these fuel cells have already demonstrated their capability in hydrogen-powered trucks. Their modular design ensures compatibility across various applications, making them an ideal choice for the river cruise sector.

How Zepp.solutions’ Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems Work

Zepp.solutions specializes in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electrical energy. The process starts with hydrogen entering the fuel cell and splitting into protons and electrons. The electrons take a detour, creating an electrical current, while the protons pass through the PEM to meet with oxygen on the other side. The result? Clean energy with water vapor as the only byproduct.

One standout feature of Zepp.solutions’ approach is their use of hybrid configurations. By coupling hydrogen fuel cells with batteries, they achieve the flexibility to handle both high continuous energy demands and instant peak loads. This hybrid system also ensures shorter refueling times compared to battery-only alternatives, making it particularly attractive for demanding maritime operations.

Advancements in Hydrogen Technology and Infrastructure

Beyond supplying fuel cells for the project, Zepp.solutions is gearing up to expand its production capabilities with a new hydrogen fuel cell factory near the Greater-Rijnmond region in the Netherlands. Set to open next year, this facility aims to manufacture over 1,000 fuel cell systems annually. The company secured nearly €2 million in funding to support this venture, reflecting the increasing demand for clean energy solutions in the maritime and heavy-duty transport sectors.

Why the NERA-H2 Project Matters

There are currently over 420 river cruise vessels operating in Europe, and projects like NERA-H2 are critical to making these fleets sustainable. Hydrogen propulsion offers a clear path to reducing emissions without compromising operational efficiency. Unlike battery-only systems that scale linearly in cost with energy requirements, hydrogen fuel systems can meet higher demands by increasing hydrogen storage, making them scalable and cost-effective.

The Dutch Maritime Master Plan envisions at least 40 zero-emission ships by 2030. The insights gained from the NERA-H2 initiative will be shared across the maritime industry, creating a ripple effect toward broader adoption of hydrogen technology in inland waterways.

Collaboration for Innovation

The NERA-H2 project isn’t solely about technology—it’s a consortium effort that blends technical know-how with real-world maritime expertise. Research institutions like MARIN and TNO contribute to technical validation, while universities focus on advancements in energy storage and digital tools. Zepp.solutions’ role as a system integrator ensures the successful translation of lab-scale technology into practical, large-scale operations. Shipowners also play a key role by testing the retrofitted vessels in everyday scenarios, ensuring the technology is ready for the demands of river cruising.

Applying Hydrogen Technology Today and Tomorrow

While the NERA-H2 project focuses on river cruising, the implications of Zepp.solutions’ technology extend well beyond waterways. Hydrogen propulsion can be applied to other sectors where quick refueling, high power demands, and operational uptime are critical, such as logistics, public transit, and off-road machinery.

For governments and industries looking to meet ambitious decarbonization goals, hydrogen fuel cells provide an actionable solution right now. Retrofitting existing fleets, as demonstrated in the NERA-H2 project, can offer an immediate impact while setting the stage for broader hydrogen adoption. More importantly, it sends a clear signal that clean energy doesn’t have to wait for new constructions or massive infrastructure overhauls.

The NERA-H2 initiative showcases what happens when innovation, collaboration, and policy align. Projects like these remind us that transitioning to cleaner energy isn’t a distant goal; the tools to implement it are already in our hands. By advancing hydrogen technology and applying these lessons across industries, we create a cleaner, more sustainable future—not just for rivers, but for the entire world expecting zero-emission solutions.