Nike has launched the world’s first hydrogen-powered inland container ship, the “H₂ Barge 1.” The vessel will transport Nike products for Europe and operate between Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Nike’s European Logistics Campus (ELC) in Belgium.
Across Europe, 99 percent of inbound containers reach the ELC by water, eliminating approximately 14,000 truck shipments per year. The company expects the H₂ Barge 1 to lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 2,000 tons per year. The barge is also much quieter than a conventional diesel vessel – which is better for the environment and more comfortable for the crew on board – and it wastes less energy through hull vibrations and heat.
The barge is another step toward Move To Zero – Nike’s company-wide effort to reduce carbon emissions and bring products to athletes with less impact on the planet.
In addition to hydrogen-powered shipping, the Oregon-based company is currently in the final testing phase of a hydrogen truck for customer deliveries in Europe. In the meantime, it is increasing its use of electric delivery trucks in key European cities, including Paris and London.
Globally, Nike is also reducing its use of air freight by aligning its production schedules with ocean freight departures and diversifying its distribution structure to bring products closer to consumers and faster. This is critical because air freight produces 42 times more carbon emissions than ocean freight, according to company statements. To further reduce emissions, the company is also reducing the weight of shipping boxes used to transport products around the world. In fiscal 2021, the weight of shipping cartons was reduced by approximately 1.6 million pounds.
The H₂ Barge 1 will begin operation in June in collaboration with Dutch shipping company Future Proof Shipping, hydrogen provider Air Liquide and Dutch operator BCTN’s network of inland terminals.
