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Podcast – zero emission inland shipping (Maritime media)

Recently, we were guests on Maritiem Inside, the podcast from Maritiem Media. Eric Warners (Programme Manager Condor) and Kaj van Leer (Business Developer at Jansma International) discussed a central question: why are there only four electric inland vessels sailing in the Netherlands, and what is needed to truly accelerate this pace?

Financing zero-emission inland shipping

In the podcast, Eric discusses the latest insights into bankability. For the short-distance segment, zero-emission sailing is already competitive compared to fossil fuels, when calculated over the lifespan of a ship. This doesn't mean the purchase price is the same: a zero-emission ship will still be more expensive than a diesel ship tomorrow. Over a lifespan of 20 years, that balance shifts, and zero-emission becomes more advantageous overall. Between now and that tipping point lies a period where operations are less profitable than fossil fuels – while the investment still needs to be made today.

The mismatch between a positive long-term business case and the assessment horizon of financiers (typically 5 to 10 years) is precisely where Condor focuses. Eric explains how Condor involves financiers early on in these kinds of plans, so that financing bottlenecks are addressed before they block an investment decision.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Maritiem Inside here.

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About Rianne de Vries

With in-depth knowledge of sustainable propulsion technologies, alternative fuels and infrastructure solutions for the inland navigation and maritime sector, I actively contribute in various ways to accelerating the transition to zero-emission transport. I use my experience in ports, maritime sector combined with a pramatic approach to create system conditions for large-scale sustainability of inland navigation.

About Renze Boersema

In this project, I focus on developing and validating the financial and strategic rationale for zero-emission boating. Specifically, I visualise the business case for both hydrogen and battery-electric solutions, with an eye for operational and economic feasibility. I also conduct discussions with banks to formulate clear financing requirements that match the specific characteristics of sustainable inland vessels. Finally, I provide an overview of available subsidy schemes and support options, so that the sector can make optimal use of incentives for sustainability.

About Johan Gille

From the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Johan focuses on a reliable, future-proof and sustainable waterway network. After all, inland shipping is the lifeline for the port. He has a broad network in government, provinces and inland ports and promotes the development and standardised deployment of instruments that governments can use to support the move to zero emission inland shipping.

About Irma Belgraver

Irma focuses on developing financing arrangements to support zero-emission shipping. From a strong network within the inland navigation sector, government organisations, industry associations and knowledge institutes, she initiates collaborations to strengthen the economic feasibility of sustainability. In the coming period, strategic options will be explored to optimise the business case.

About Eric Warners

Eric Warners worked in the port of Amsterdam for more than seven years on initiatives to make shipping and industry more sustainable. He has been involved with Condor since October 2024. Eric has always gericht on complex issues that can only be solved through (public-private) cooperation. For the past decade, his focus has been entirely on the maritime and industrial sectors.

About Wouter Vuijk

Within the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Wouter works on making inland navigation more sustainable, with a specific focus on the transition to emission-free sailing. At Condor, he supervises the process in which, in cooperation with the sector, technical standards are being developed. This removes an important threshold for this transition.