The Future of Sustainable Inland Shipping: Emission-Free Navigation with Flow Batteries
Inland shipping is essential to the European transport sector, but the environmental performance of conventional vessels is often not as “green” as assumed. Emissions of CO₂, NOx, and particulate matter remain higher than desired, increasing the need for sustainable alternatives. Current technologies offer only partial solutions, such as biofuels, optimized engines, Euro VI engines, and hybrid propulsion systems (diesel-electric).
PortLiner acknowledges that hydrogen may play an important role in the future, but also emphasizes that it will take many years before hydrogen technology becomes both technically and financially viable for inland shipping. In addition to technical challenges—such as the need for extremely high pressures of up to 700 bar—there are also safety issues that must be resolved before hydrogen can be deployed on a large scale.
Battery-electric propulsion, however, is already available today as an emission-free solution for inland shipping. Thanks to flow batteries, PortLiner can offer a sustainable and cost-efficient solution for inland vessels that fully meets the operational requirements of the sector.
In mobile applications such as the automotive sector, lithium-ion batteries are often chosen due to their high power density and declining cost per kWh. However, this technology has significant drawbacks:
For these reasons, PortLiner has chosen flow batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion technology. Flow batteries offer numerous advantages:
In flow batteries, energy is stored in a liquid electrolyte, which is converted into electricity via flow cells (also known as “stacks”) and then used to power electric motors. The electrolyte is continuously recharged, meaning the battery’s lifespan is virtually unlimited.
Together with strategic partners, PortLiner has developed an innovative vessel design that utilizes flow battery technology. The design also includes charging infrastructure that meets the operational requirements of inland shipping and is scalable to serve multiple vessels simultaneously.
Advantages of Flow Batteries for Inland Shipping
PortLiner offers a practical and sustainable solution for the inland shipping sector, accelerating the transition to emission-free navigation while delivering clear economic benefits.
Are you ready to make the transition to emission-free inland shipping with flow batteries?
Contact PortLiner and discover how we are shaping the future of sustainable transport.
