Dutch students launch hydrogen boat to 'inspire shipping industry'

Dutch scientists on May 14 unveiled a boat powered by liquid hydrogen that they hope will offer lessons to the shipping industry as it eyes new fuel sources to reduce its significant greenhouse gas emissions.

Olivier Poelman, Student, Delft University of Technology said "We want to show that sustainable solutions are already possible in the maritime industry. And that if a team of 25 students can do it, then the bigger companies can implement these sustainable changes as well in the maritime sector."

Shipping accounts for nearly three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming, according to the United Nations' shipping body, the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO is trying to decarbonize the industry, aiming to cut emissions by at least 50 percent by 2050 compared to 2008 levels.