Looking back on the Maritime Innovation Event in Scheveningen
On Thursday, October 16, various professionals from the maritime sector traveled to Scheveningen for the Maritime Innovation Event. Representing Venturn Young Professionals, Daan Berk attended to gain the latest insights into the energy transition within the maritime industry. The central theme of the day was clear: “Together, we accelerate the maritime fuel transition.”
Research and innovation as driving forces
The day began with a series of presentations on three major research consortia: MENENS, LNG Zero, and SH2IPDRIVE. These projects are nearing completion and provided a valuable opportunity to share key lessons learned from several years of research with industry peers.
MENENS focuses on the use of methanol as a sustainable fuel for ships. The project explores energy generation through engines and fuel cells, the safe storage and use of methanol and hydrogen, and the integration of these systems on board. The researchers particularly emphasized the importance of safety and practical applicability in an operational environment.
LNG Zero investigates how liquefied natural gas (LNG) can be made more sustainable as a transitional fuel. Although LNG is already cleaner than traditional fuels, its combustion still releases carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ). The consortium is working on solutions to reduce these emissions, including filtering and capturing exhaust gases. However, this presents both technical and economic challenges, for example the installation of capture systems on board, as well as the storage and processing of the captured CO₂. It also became clear that not all harmful substances can yet be completely removed, making further innovation essential.
The third consortium, SH2IPDRIVE, focuses on the application of hydrogen in shipping. Hydrogen offers great potential as a clean energy source, but also raises questions about safety, storage, and transport. Among other things, SH2IPDRIVE is researching bunkering and storage systems designed to make hydrogen bunkering and transportation safer and more straightforward. Because hydrogen storage takes up a lot of space on board, hydrogen carriers are also being investigated: substances that allow hydrogen to be transported in a more compact form. One innovative concept presented involved storing hydrogen in powder form. Ships could take on fresh powder cartridges in port and return used ones, which would then be refilled onshore, creating a circular and safe supply chain. The consortium is also investigating the use of fuel cells on board, which convert fuel directly into electricity. This technology operates more quietly, cleanly, and efficiently than traditional combustion engines.
Learning from collaboration
A striking common thread among the three consortia was the importance of collaboration. Although each project had its own specific focus, all faced similar organizational challenges. In several initiatives, partners withdrew during the process, which had a significant impact on progress. Nevertheless, the consortia managed to continue their projects by attracting new partners or redistributing tasks. The speakers emphasized that technological innovation can only truly succeed when collaboration between organizations is well-structured and effectively managed.
The port as a key player in the energy transition
Later in the afternoon, representatives from the Port of Rotterdam gave a presentation on the so-called Port Readiness Levels — a framework indicating how well a port is prepared for bunkering specific fuels. Traditional fuels such as MDO (Marine Diesel Oil), as well as LNG and methanol, currently score high, as they are already widely available. For hydrogen and ammonia, readiness levels are still lower, though several initiatives are underway to improve this in the coming years.
The presentation made it clear that the maritime energy transition is not only about on-board technologies, but also about onshore infrastructure. Ports play a crucial role in making new fuels available and in ensuring safety, efficiency, and logistical coordination throughout the supply chain.
Shared Perspective
The final part of the day consisted of a panel discussion with industry specialists, during which participants shared their views on the future of the maritime energy transition. Audience members, including Daan, were also encouraged to actively join the conversation.
The discussion centered around one clear message: regulations that create a level playing field for companies are essential. Only when companies worldwide invest in sustainable technologies under comparable conditions can the sector achieve lasting decarbonization.
An Industry Full of Ambition
The day concluded with a networking reception, where attendees enthusiastically discussed the innovations and insights presented. What stood out was the strong collective determination to move toward sustainability. Despite the technical, organizational, and financial challenges that still lie ahead, there is a widely shared understanding within the maritime industry: the energy transition is no longer a distant dream, but a process that is already well underway.
For Daan and the other participants, the Maritime Innovation Event was an inspiring day filled with new insights into how cooperation, innovation, and regulation can together drive a sustainable future for shipping.
