Your working groups quarterly update (March '26)

The RH2INE Working Groups met in Basel, Switzerland this March to advance key initiatives supporting the deployment of hydrogen in inland shipping. Discussions focused on accelerating the development of a shared hydrogen tanktainer pool, aligning technical standards, preparing for upcoming subsidy opportunities, and strengthening the regulatory framework for hydrogen infrastructure.

Tanktainer Pool Company
A major milestone was the continued development of the ‘Newco’ Tanktainer Pool Company, a special purpose vehicle that will own and lease standardized hydrogen tanktainers to inland vessel operators. The model aims to lower investment barriers for shippers through operational leasing while ensuring interoperability through standardized containers. Investor engagement is progressing well, with letters of intent and a shareholder meeting planned as the next steps towards company establishment.

Standardization
The Tanktainer Standardization Working Group also made significant progress. Partners are working towards a design freeze by June, enabling timely participation in upcoming subsidy calls. Close collaboration with industry partners and certification bodies will ensure the final design is safe, affordable, and suitable for multimodal transport by road, rail, and inland waterways.

Subsidies
Members reviewed the evolving subsidy landscape in Germany and the Netherlands, where major funding programmes for zero-emission shipping are expected to play a crucial role in bringing the first pooled hydrogen tanktainers to market. Discussions highlighted the importance of investor credibility, coordinated lobbying efforts, and aligning procurement timelines with anticipated funding calls.

Policy and Market Development
The meeting also covered broader policy and market developments, including progress on ETS2 discussions, RED III implementation across Rhine countries, and the continued refinement of total cost of ownership (TCO) models for hydrogen-powered vessels. These activities will help strengthen the business case for hydrogen and support coordinated policy advocacy.

Port Infrastructure
Finally, participants confirmed the launch of a new Port Infrastructure Working Group, which will develop practical guidance for hydrogen terminal operations and harmonise regulatory approaches across Rhine ports. The group will bring together ports, regulators, and industry experts to support the safe rollout of hydrogen infrastructure throughout the corridor.

Looking ahead, the working groups will focus on finalising Newco's establishment, completing the tanktainer design specifications, supporting subsidy applications, and continuing collaboration with Living Lab partners to bring the first hydrogen-powered inland vessels into operation.