RH2INE Working Groups

Within the RH2INE network, six working groups are actively engaged, all driven by a shared mission: to promote the use of hydrogen in inland shipping and to coordinate initiatives along the Rhine and its tributaries. The ultimate goal? A fully market-ready hydrogen system for inland navigation.

This means not only transitioning shipping to hydrogen but also developing the necessary infrastructure and the entire hydrogen value chain. From production and storage to distribution and refueling facilities – everything must be seamlessly integrated to make hydrogen a widely usable sustainable energy source for inland shipping. RH2INE brings the right partners together and accelerates the transition to zero-emission transport on water.

Six streams for zero-emission inland shipping.

The network distinguishes six streams, each with its respective working group. Each working group plays a key role in advancing the adoption of hydrogen for zero-emission inland shipping.

Standardisation

This working group focuses on developing uniform standards and protocols for the use of hydrogen in inland shipping. This ensures that technologies and infrastructure are compatible and widely applicable. The working group is included within the CONDOR H2 project.

Policy

Lead by WaterstofNet, the goal of this working group is to create and implement policies that encourage the adoption of hydrogen in inland shipping, including legislation, regulations, and favorable conditions for transitioning to zero-emission transport.

Market development

Insetting aims to enable sustainable hydrogen production through using renewable energy sources. Companies and projects producing hydrogen this way can support the green hydrogen needs in inland shipping. The working group is included within the CONDOR H2 project.

Tanktainer pool company

The objective is to establish a shared tank container pool system, allowing multiple parties to use the same tank containers for transporting hydrogen, making distribution more efficient and cost-effective. WaterstofNet teaks the lead.

Port infrastructure

The work focuses on developing the necessary infrastructure in ports for hydrogen storage and refueling, ensuring that the facilities are in place for the practical use of hydrogen in inland shipping. Transferstelle Bing is at the helm of this working group.

Subsidies

With WaterstofNet taking the lead on this working group, the focus here is on identifying and managing  financial opportunities for projects that aim to develop and implement hydrogen technology in inland shipping, providing financial support for the transition.