As a result, interchangeable containers designed according to the open standard can now be deployed more easily for zero-emission hydrogen-powered inland shipping throughout the Rhine corridor.
The AIP marks the transition from theoretical frameworks to a practical, deployable mobile hydrogen infrastructure for inland cargo vessels, push barges and other waterborne transport.
Over the past year, RH2INE’s standardisation working group collaborated to develop an open, safe and certified standard for interchangeable 380-bar hydrogen containers in both 20-foot and 40-foot formats.
The group consisted of experts, industrial RH2INE partners (Air Products, Air Liquide, NPROXX, Hexagon Purus, H2Storage, ArgoAnleg, RheinMetall, Covess, and ZBT) together with maritime certification body Lloyd’s Register.
In consultation with EIGA (European Industrial Gases Association), they defined, among other things, the connections, safety components and coupling systems for hydrogen swappable containers (defined as multiple-element gas containers, or MEGC tank containers).
The official design approval demonstrates that the concept is technically feasible before the start of detailed engineering. Companies can now confidently design and build according to the approved concept.
A key advantage of the concept is its multimodal versatility and future interoperability. The containers not only serve as interchangeable onboard fuel tanks, but are also certified for hydrogen storage and transport by road, rail and inland waterway (in accordance with ADR, RID and ADN regulations, respectively).
This enables the entire logistics chain and industrial end users to deploy the container as a standardised asset, maximising the return on investment.