Launching a zero-emission dawn with Zulu 06 in Paris

Marking another achievement for sustainable, zero-emission transport, the 55-meter Zulu 06 is driven by two Ballard FCwave™ fuel cell engines totalling 400kW of power - enabling decarbonized shipment of containerized and palleted goods up to 400 tons along a 30km route from Gennevilliers to Bonneuil-sur-Marne. 

The hydrogen-based propulsion system is a first in the French market and represents a crucial stride forwards in cargo transport for inland waterways, successfully demonstrating the potential clean energy has to decarbonize logistics. The vessel uses 300kg of compressed hydrogen which delivers seven days of continuous operation on a single fill, with no harmful emissions.

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership's executive director, Valerie Bouillon-Delporte, was on-hand in Paris to christen the vessel in front of representatives from program partners ahead of Zulu 06's maiden voyage.

"The successful integration of fuel cells into the Zulu 06 riverboat marks a significant and technical regulatory milestone. This groundbreaking innovation sets a new standard for decarbonizing freight and passenger transport on Europe's waterways, powered by hydrogen derived from clean energy sources. Building on the momentum of the Flagships project, further applications in river and maritime transport will enhance air quality, reduce noise pollution, and drastically shrink the carbon footprint of waterborne transportation."

 

Valerie Bouillon-Delporte Executive Director, Clean Hydrogen Partnership

Launched by SOGESTRAN Group, the Flagships consortium is made up of 12 European partners that include shipowners Future Proof Shipping and Norled, integrators such as ABB, and ship design company LMG Marin – while Ballard's involvement lies in providing the fuel cell technology.

By 2030, the city of Paris aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, and its carbon footprint by 40%. Low-emission river transportation like Zulu 06 is playing its part as the industry strives to help its municipal partners reach these ambitious but attainable goals.

Zulu06 is one of two zero-emission vessels, along with H2 Barge 2, that makes up the Flagships project – an initiative created to deploy the two zero-emission inland-waterway vessels, designed and built to demonstrate the commercial viability of hydrogen-powered ships.

European Hydrogen Week

In the build up to the launch of Zulu 06 in Paris, Ballard was also joined the European Hydrogen Week 2024, staged in Brussels, Belgium from November 18-22, where Flagships H2020 was awarded further industry recognition.

Demonstrating the value and viability of hydrogen as a power source in the marine sector, the Flagships project received the prestigious 'Best Outreach' award at the show, underpinning its commitment to innovation in green shipping.

At the event, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership's Mirela Atanasiu honored the conglomerate's work in advancing and communicating hydrogen as a sustainable fuel alternative for maritime transport, recognizing "the impactful communication successes of the Flagships project... leading by example, demonstrating the potential of hydrogen and inspiring both the public and industry to champion sustainable maritime transport worldwide."

The Best Outreach award celebrates projects that excel in public and industry engagement, promoting hydrogen’s role in clean energy transitions.