In the north of the Netherlands, the local maritime industry is pooling its knowledge and capabilities to better face technological challenges, so as to become a global player in “green” or clean shipping, as well as digital shipbuilding.

A grouping of 21 technology developers, shipping companies, shipyards, suppliers, laboratories, universities of applied sciences and the University of Groningen, will receive a first European grant amounting to 1.4 million euros, so as to support these developments.

This “Green Maritime Coalition” was initiated by the Groninger Maritime Board and Conoship International. The consortium’s intention is to become a leader in the transition to large-scale, zero-emission shipping, and digital shipbuilding. It will focus on industrial development, and the application of technologies including hydrogen propulsion, VentiFoil-wind propulsion, Ship Based Carbon Capture, robotisation, and more.

Last Wednesday, July 13th 2022, the deputy of the Province of Groningen IJzebrand Rijzebol gave a cheque of 1.4 million euros, from the European Regional Development Fund (EFRO), to the initiators of the innovation project.

Guus van der Bles, Director Development of Conoship International, stated:

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

Additionally, a maritime innovation ecosystem in the north of the country could have significant economic benefits, such as becoming an employment powerhouse.