Marine Service Noord on the temporary subsidy scheme for early upscaling of the energy transition in inland vessels (2026–2029)

New impulse for sustainable inland shipping

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is preparing a temporary subsidy scheme intended to provide a significant boost to the energy transition in inland shipping. Dutch inland vessel owners will be able to apply for funding for the purchase and installation of propulsion systems powered by electricity, hydrogen, or methanol.

Acceleration towards emission-free sailing

The objective of the scheme is clear: to accelerate the adoption of sustainable propulsion technologies in both new and existing inland vessels. This incentive enables ships to operate partially or fully emission-free, or even climate-neutral. In doing so, the scheme makes a concrete contribution to the ambition of achieving an emission-free and climate-neutral inland shipping sector by 2050.

From subsidy to successful implementation

For many entrepreneurs, this subsidy scheme offers opportunities, but also challenges. The transition to alternative fuels requires well-considered decisions, technical expertise, and an integrated approach.

Marine Service Noord plays the role of a committed and experienced partner in this process. We support projects from the initial concept phase through to realization. This means we contribute to concept development and technical design, as well as risk management, construction supervision, and full system integration.

With years of hands-on experience in systems involving, among others, hydrogen and methanol, we understand that successful implementation requires close collaboration with classification societies, flag states, and other specialized partners.

Proven experience in hydrogen

In the field of hydrogen, we are among the most experienced parties in the Netherlands. We are currently actively involved in the hydrogen pilot surrounding the Ms. Krukel within the Green Shipping Waddenzee program. In this project, we provide a concrete and specialized contribution to the development and realization of hydrogen storage, distribution, and safety systems.

Our involvement has a long history. As early as 2009, we contributed to the development and construction of the NEMO H2 canal cruise vessel in Amsterdam. In addition, we actively collaborate with educational institutions. For example, we participated in an innovative project with students from Noorderpoort Energy & Maritime, in which a hydrogen-powered sloop was developed.

Innovations with methanol as an energy carrier

In addition to hydrogen, we have extensive experience with methanol as an alternative fuel. For instance, we carried out the methanol conversion of the research vessel MV Fugro Pioneer.

We are currently involved in the MIIP project MELT (Methanol-based Energy system using Low-Temperature reforming), a feasibility study focused on the development of innovative maritime energy systems with methanol as the central energy carrier.

Building the inland shipping sector of tomorrow together

The new subsidy scheme offers a unique opportunity to implement sustainable technologies on a larger scale within inland shipping. At the same time, it requires a partner who not only understands the technology but is also familiar with regulations, certification, and execution.

Marine Service Noord is ready to support shipowners and shipyards in this transition. From initial idea to a fully operational system: we ensure control over complexity and confidence in execution.