Marine Service Noord contributes to the hydrogen pilot project involving the Ms. Krukel
The next step toward emission-free shipping in the Wadden Sea region
The maritime sector is undergoing a major transition toward sustainability and emission-free operations. Within this development, hydrogen is playing an increasingly important role as an energy carrier for the future of shipping and maritime infrastructure. Marine Service Noord is proud to contribute as a committed partner to this innovation in the Wadden Sea region.
Recently, an important milestone was reached within the Green Shipping Wadden Sea program with the launch of the hydrogen pilot project involving the Ms. Krukel. This initiative, led by Rijkswaterstaat and Next Generation Shipyards, focuses on converting the vessel into an emission-free ship suitable for operations in the Wadden Sea. The pilot is carried out under the coordination of FME and is co-funded by the Wadden Fund and the Wadden Sea Investment Framework.
Role of Marine Service Noord
Within this pilot, Marine Service Noord provides a concrete and specialized contribution to the development and implementation of hydrogen storage, distribution, and safety systems. The focus lies on ensuring the safe application of hydrogen in a maritime environment, where strict requirements apply in terms of reliability, regulations, and operational safety.
Collaboration as the key to progress
The pilot clearly demonstrates that the energy transition in the maritime sector cannot be achieved by a single party. Collaboration between shipbuilders, governments, knowledge institutions, and technical specialists is essential to make new technologies truly operational.
Within the broader Green Shipping Wadden Sea program, intensive cooperation is therefore taking place on practical experience, knowledge development, and scaling up. The Wadden Sea region plays a unique role as a testing ground, where innovation is immediately validated under real-life conditions.
First milestone achieved: focus on engineering
An important first milestone within the hydrogen pilot has now been achieved. The signing of the contract follows a positive assessment of the conceptual design, planning, budget, and hydrogen availability. In addition, there is a positive outlook for obtaining the required permit for hydrogen refueling in Lauwersoog.
The next phase will focus on further developing the design and engineering. This includes detailed technical elaboration of onboard systems, such as the integration of hydrogen storage, distribution, and safety systems.
A final decision on the actual conversion of the vessel is expected to be made in September 2026.
Looking ahead
Participation in this hydrogen pilot aligns with Marine Service Noord’s ambition to actively contribute to a safe, reliable, and future-proof maritime sector. Hydrogen offers significant opportunities but also requires careful engineering, strict safety standards, and close collaboration across the value chain.
This pilot represents an important step toward emission-free shipping in the Wadden Sea and beyond. Marine Service Noord will continue to support and shape this development together with its partners in the sector. Together, we are working toward a sustainable maritime future.
